Treatment of transplant ureteral stenosis with Acucise endoureterotomy

Treatment of ureteral stenosis has been attempted in many patients with transplanted kidneys. Treatment with the Acucise catheter system is a new approach for such patients. Published results of the approach in eight patients promise safety, effectiveness, and low perioperative morbidity. We report two cases of transplant ureteral stenosis treated with Acucise. One patient with stenosis of the pyeloureteral junction was treated successfully and has been free of recurrence for 9 months. The other patient had long-distance stenosis of the lower portion of the transplant ureter. Acucise incision was successful, but the patient had to undergo ureteroneocystostomy because of a ureteroperitoneal fistula. We use these cases to illustrate the disadvantages of endourological ureteral surgery as a standard therapeutic approach after renal transplantation. We suggest that Acucise is reliable when used in patients with uncomplicated short-distance ureteral stenosis; however, patients with long-distance stenosis or stenosis caused by heavily scarred periureteral tissue will not profit from it because of a higher complication rate. Received: 14 January 1998 Received after revision: 9 March 1998 Accepted: 16 March 1998     

输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄

目的探讨输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄的疗效。方珐本组10例输尿管狭窄，狭窄位于输尿管上段6例，中段1例，下段3例，输尿管狭窄段长度为0．3—1．8cm，采用输尿管镜钬激光（200μm激光光纤，输出能量0．8—1．0J，脉冲频率10-15Hz）内切开术治疗，术后留置1根或2根F5双J支架管，2～3个月后拔管。蛄杲手术时间30-50min，平均42min，无严重并发症，1例手术失败，余9例随访5—15个月，平均9．5个月，8例效果满意，1例术后3个月复发。站论输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄具有创伤小、并发症少、恢复快等优点，是一种安全、有效的微创手术方式。     

Management of iatrogenic ureteral strictures after urological procedures

At our institution more of the iatrogenic ureteral injuries seen are caused by urologists than by gynecologists or general surgeons. The management of 94 such injuries is discussed, 55 of which were the result of open operations, 34 of endourological procedures and 5 of transurethral operations. More than half of the injuries (52 per cent) involved the ureteropelvic junction. Endourological procedures were successful in correcting the problem in 58 patients and consisted of endopyelotomy (38), dilation (10), ureteral meatotomy (8), antegrade ureterotomy (1) and percutaneous ureterotomy (1). Endourological procedures failed in 20 other cases. Altogether, 36 patients (38 per cent) required an open operation consisting of ureteroureterostomy (9), ureterocalicostomy (7), ureteral reimplantation (6), Boari flap (5), pyeloplasty (4), ileal interposition (3), undiversion (1) and nephrectomy (1). The treatment options that appear to be most suitable for particular types of injury are discussed. Final results were satisfactory in all patients.     

Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser endoureterotomy for the treatment of transplant kidney ureteral strictures

BACKGROUND: The management of ureteral strictures in transplanted kidney is challenging. Open surgical treatment is effective but entails significant convalescence. Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser endoureterotomy is useful for other types of ureteral obstruction, and we aimed to assess its long-term success for strictures of transplant kidney ureters. METHODS: We reviewed the course of 12 kidney transplant patients managed with Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy and/or percutaneous ureteroscopic balloon dilatation for ureterovesical anastomotic strictures or ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Success was defined as stable serum creatinine and no hydronephrosis on follow-up. RESULTS: Of the patients, nine had ureterovesical anastomotic strictures. Of the six treated with balloon dilatation and Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy, the success rate was 67% (58 months mean follow-up). Both strictures with failure were longer than 10 mm. Of the three patients treated with balloon dilatation only, there was success in only one (14 months follow-up) and both strictures with failure were shorter than 10 mm. There were three patients treated for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, one with balloon dilatation and two with balloon dilatation plus Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy, all successfully (57 months mean follow-up). Overall, of the eight strictures 10 mm or shorter, there was success rate in six (75%), with 52 months mean follow-up, including five of five (100%) treated with laser endoureterotomy and one of three (33%) treated with only balloon dilation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy should be a first line treatment for ureteral strictures of length 10 mm or shorter in kidney transplant patients.     

医源性输尿管下段损伤或狭窄的处理：（附14例报告）

为探讨对医源性输尿管损伤或狭窄的处理，降低并发症，回顾分析１９８６￣１９９６年治疗的医源性车尿管下段损伤１１例和狭窄３例（４侧），其中泌尿外科、妇科、普外科手术所造成的输尿管下段损伤或狭窄分别为９例（６４．３％）、４例（２８．６％）、１例（７．１％），以泌尿外科手术引起的发生率最高，可能与输尿管镜等腔道内手术的广泛开展及各类开放性手术的失误升并发症有关。除普外科造成的１例在损伤当即被发现并修复外，     

Treatment of uretero-intestinal and ureterovesical strictures by Acucise balloon catheter

OBJECTIVE: Acucise balloon catheter has been proposed as an alternative to open surgery for the treatment of strictures of the ureteropelvic junction because of its low morbidity and the short hospital stay following the endoscopic procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of this technique applied to patients developing strictures after surgical reimplantation of the ureterovesical (UV) or uretero-intestinal (UI) junction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 1997 and January 2000, 12 strictures (11 patients) were treated by Acucise balloon catheter via an antegrade and/or retrograde approach with double J stenting for an average of 6 weeks (range: 4-12 weeks): six uretero-ileal strictures (three Bricker, one uretero-ileoplasty, one enterocystoplasty and one Kock pouch) and six ureterovesical strictures (Lich-Grégoir or Paquin UV reimplantations after gynaecological, vascular or endoscopic surgery). The median postoperative follow-up was 16 months (range: 10-36 months). A good result was defined by the absence of recurrence of the stricture evaluated both clinically and radiologically (regression of stasis measured by IVU and/or ultrasonography). RESULTS: The mean operating time was 70 minutes and the mean hospital stay was 4.8 days (range: 3-14 days). Only one intraoperative complication was observed (migration of the double J stent to the kidney). The operation was successful in eight patients (75%). The success rate was 83% for ureterovesical strictures and 50% for uretero-ileal strictures. A history of previous irradiation appeared to be a factor of failure. CONCLUSION: The Acucise procedure is a minimally invasive and effective (75% success rate) treatment option for the treatment of postoperative stricture after ureteric reimplantations. In our department, this option is considered to be first-line treatment, as surgical reimplantation is reserved for failures of the endoscopic technique.     

医原性输尿管损伤后狭窄梗阻的手术治疗

目的　探讨不同类型输尿管损伤引起狭窄、梗阻的再手术方法。　方法　总结 13例输尿管损伤所致输尿管狭窄、梗阻的临床资料 ,其中肾输尿管手术后 8例 ,输尿管镜术后 4例 ,外伤所致1例 ,均曾行一次或多次手术修补未获成功。再次手术包括输尿管肾下盏吻合 1例 ,输尿管端端吻合8例 ,输尿管膀胱角吻合 2例 ,回肠代输尿管术 1例 ,输尿管膀胱再吻合术 1例。　结果　 13例均手术治愈 ,术后 3～ 4周拔除输尿管支架 ,4～ 6周拔除肾造瘘管。随访 6个月～ 6年 ,IVU和B超检查输尿管通畅无狭窄、无肾积水。　结论　治疗输尿管损伤引起的输尿管狭窄梗阻应选择适当时机和术式 ,彻底切除瘢痕 ,并作无张力吻合 ,对长段输尿管中下段缺损使用输尿管膀胱角再植、回肠代输尿管术     

Transplant ureter stricture: Acucise endoureterotomy and balloon dilation are effective

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients with ureteral stricture after renal transplantation underwent minimally invasive treatment with Acucise incision or balloon dilation. Acucise endoureterotomy was used to treat four patients with strictures at the ureterovesical anastomosis, and balloon dilation was used to treat four patients with a ureteroureterostomy stricture. Success was defined as an acceptable serum creatinine concentration in the absence of hydronephrosis with at least 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: Acucise endoureterotomy for ureterovesical anastomosis stricture was successful in two of three patients (67%) with a mean follow-up of 20 months. One patient had an indeterminate outcome. Balloon dilation of strictured ureteroureterostomy was successful in three of four patients (75%) with a mean follow-up of 23.7 months. Three of the four patients with previously failed open revision were treated successfully with endourologic techniques. The two patients in whom treatment failed had strictures >/=1.5 cm and manifested comorbidities including diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: As our results are comparable to those of other published series, endourologic management of transplant ureteral stenosis is a reasonable strategy.     

Holmium: YAG laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal strictures

PURPOSE: The management of ureterointestinal stricture in patients who have undergone urinary diversion can be challenging. Endourological techniques have been increasingly used in recent years for ureteral stricture. While long-term results may not be as reliable or durable as those of traditional open reconstructive surgical techniques, associated morbidity is much less. The holmium (Ho):YAG laser, which has cutting and coagulating properties, has been demonstrated to have many applications in urology. We report our experience with and long-term results of Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts and followup history of 23 patients in whom the Ho:YAG laser was used to treat ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture. Strictures were treated percutaneously via the antegrade approach with flexible endoscopes and the holmium laser. A reversed 12/6Fr endopyelotomy stent was left indwelling for 6 weeks postoperatively. Success was defined as symptomatic improvement and radiographic resolution of obstruction. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2000, 23 patients with a mean age of 61 years underwent endo-ureterotomy using the Ho:YAG laser for 24 ureterointestinal stricture. An overall success rate of 71% (17 of 24 cases) was achieved at a mean followup of 22 months. The success rate of holmium laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal stricture at 1, 2 and 3 years was 85%, 72% and 56%, respectively. Seven patients had recurrent strictures of which 4 developed 16 months or more postoperatively. No complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal stricture disease is a minimally invasive endourological procedure that may provide more durable results than other modalities used for endoureterotomy. The Ho:YAG laser with its ability to cut tissue precisely and provide hemostasis combined with its versatility and compatibility with flexible endoscopes is an ideal instrument for safely performing endoureterotomy.     

Initial experiences with percutaneous and transurethral ablation of postoperative ureteral strictures in children

A transurethral or percutaneous procedure was used in 11 children and 1 young adult in an attempt to correct obstruction at the site of previous pyeloplasty, ureteroenterostomy or vesicoureteral reimplantation into the bladder. When a guide wire could be passed through the obstructed segment a balloon would always pass over the wire. The balloon could then be inflated to dilate the narrowed area. Five patients in whom the obstruction was detected and treated in this manner within a few months after the initial operation exhibited relief of obstruction and these good results have persisted. The exception to this generalization is a 5-year-old girl who did not experience durable improvement in obstruction when treated 3 months after ureteral implantation. Four additional children with ureteral strictures diagnosed 1 to 4 years postoperatively also were not improved by dilation, even when a post-dilation stent (usually a double-J catheter) was used for 6 to 8 weeks. Two boys with recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after pyeloplasty underwent percutaneous resection of the ureteropelvic junction. In 1 boy the hook electrode and cautery were used and stenosis recurred, apparently due to thermal injury. In the other boy a sharpened hook electrode was used to incise the ureteropelvic junction, which has stayed open for 18 months, and he is our longest followup.     

Congenital mid ureteral strictures

PURPOSE: Congenital mid ureteral stricture is rare. We report 7 cases, and discuss the differences in preoperative evaluation and surgical management compared to other obstructive entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and imaging studies of 7 children identified with mid ureteral strictures between 1998 and 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Five newborns presented with prenatal hydronephrosis, and 2 children presented at age 15 years, one in the course of evaluation of blunt trauma, and one due to pain and abdominal mass. Imaging studies included renal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography, radionuclide renography and computerized tomography. All patients underwent retrograde pyelography. Pathological examination of each specimen was undertaken at the respective institutions. RESULTS: Prenatal hydronephrosis was the most common presentation. There were no urinary tract infections. All patients had significant obstruction on the affected side. No patient had vesicoureteral reflux. After imaging but before surgery the urinary obstruction was believed to be at the ureteropelvic junction in 4 patients and the ureterovesical junction in 2, and secondary to posterior urethral valves in 1. At cystoscopy all of the affected ureters had a normally located and normally configured orifice. Retrograde pyelography led to an accurate diagnosis of mid ureteral narrowing in all patients. Six patients underwent ureteroureterostomy, all of whom had satisfactory outcomes. In 1 of these patients contralateral nephrectomy was performed due to nonfunction of the multicystic dysplastic kidney. The remaining patient underwent nephrectomy for ipsilateral end stage kidney disease and hydronephrosis. In this patient the ureters were stenotic and suggested asymmetry in the thickness of the muscular coat, perhaps secondary to extrinsic compression. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital mid ureteral stricture is rare. Renal ultrasound and radionuclide renography alone do not reliably demonstrate the site of obstruction. Retrograde pyelography at the time of surgical correction of presumed ureteral obstruction is an important adjunct for correctly identifying the site of narrowing in the affected ureteral segment, unless the ureter has been imaged with another modality.     

Exceptional iatrogenic ureteral rupture

Rupture of the ureter is an infrequent event that can have serious consequences. The most frequent cause is surgical iatrogenic ureter disease. Other possible causes are urological procedures and urographic studies. In our patient, which, to our knowledge, is the first to be reported in the literature, the ureteral rupture was produced by a traumatic urinary catheterism, because the balloon was filled inside the ureter. The normal presentation is nephritic colic, although acute abdomen is also a possibility. The possibility of ureteral rupture in abdominopelvic surgery or in urological techniques should be evaluated when patients present these clinical symptoms. Treatment is surgical, although in some cases conservative measures can be used.     

医源性输尿管损伤

目的　探讨医源性输尿管损伤的原因、类型、处理和预防。方法　回顾性分析了 11例医源性输尿管损伤的临床资料。治疗方法为输尿管逆行内支架管插管引流 2例 ;输尿管修补术 1例 ;输尿管端端吻合术 6例 ;膀胱瓣管法输尿管再吻合术 2例。结果　 1例肾积水 ,余肾功能均正常。结论　医源性输尿管损伤的早期与后期诊断有所不同 ,治疗要达到恢复排尿通路和肾功能两个目的。熟悉局部解剖 ,细致规范手术是预防医源性输尿管损伤的关键。