Endoureterotomy by intraluminal invagination for nonmalignant ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures: description of a new surgical technique and long-term followup

PURPOSE: We describe a new surgical endoscopic technique for nonmalignant ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures. This procedure involving endoureterotomy by intraluminal invagination (the Lovaco technique) is performed by adopting a combined percutaneous antegrade and endoscopic retrograde approach. The results obtained by this technique are reviewed with long-term followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures were subjected to endoureterotomy by intraluminal invagination, including 12 left, 7 right and 3 bilateral cases. Surgical success was defined by radiological improvement and/or the ability to recover normal activity in the absence of flank pain, infection, or the need for ureteral stents or nephrostomy tubes. RESULTS: At a median followup of 51 months (range 2 to 145) the success rate for endoureterotomy by intraluminal invagination was 80% (20 of 25 ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures). No complications were recorded in the patients following endoureterotomy. CONCLUSIONS: This new endoureterotomy technique for ureterointestinal strictures following urinary diversion can be applied to any type of urinary diversion. It allows direct visualization of the stricture and stricture tissue biopsy. Intraluminal invagination makes it possible to increase the distance between the stricture, and the retroperitoneal vessels and bowels. The technique provides the control required to ensure full-thickness and full-length stricture incision. The success rate is high and it persists after long-term followup.     

Long-term results of antegrade endoureterotomy using the holmium laser in patients with ureterointestinal strictures

Objectives. To investigate the effectiveness and morbidity of percutaneous laser endoureterotomy in the management of ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.Methods. Between May 1997 and August 2000, 19 percutaneous endoureterotomy incisions, including 3 repeated incisions, were performed on 15 patients with a mean age of 61 years (range 41 to 80) to treat ureterointestinal strictures. A total of 16 renal units were treated (9 left, 7 right), including one bilateral procedure. All procedures were performed using a 200-μm holmium laser fiber in antegrade fashion with a 7.5F flexible ureteroscope. A nephroureteral stent was left in place for 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Success was defined as radiologic improvement and/or the ability to return to full activity in the absence of flank pain, infection, or the need for ureteral stents or nephrostomy tubes.Results. With a median follow-up of 20.5 months (range 9 to 41), the overall success rate was 57% (8 of 14 renal units). Two patients were lost to follow-up. The mean operative time was 91 minutes, and no perioperative complications occurred. Three patients required repeated endoureterotomies, with two requiring open reimplantation. Overall, the endoureterotomy failed in 6 patients in the series, with five of the six failures involving left-sided strictures.Conclusions. Percutaneous endoureterotomy is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with ureterointestinal strictures after urinary diversion. Better visualization and a more precise incision may make the holmium laser a safer cutting modality than alternative methods in patients with ureteroenteric strictures. Patients with left-sided ureterointestinal strictures should be cautioned that endourologic management might have a lower success rate.     

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.     

Holmium: YAG laser endoureterotomy for treatment of ureteral stricture

Objectives

Endourologic techniques ranging from balloon dilation to endoincision with electrocautery, cold knife, and lasers have been increasingly used in recent years for the treatment of ureteral strictures. While the long-term results may not be as reliable or as durable as traditional reconstructive surgical techniques, they can be accomplished with much less morbidity. Recently, the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, which possesses both cutting and coagulating properties, has been demonstrated to have many applications in urology. We report our experience with this laser in the endoscopic treatment of ureteral strictures.

Methods

We reviewed the charts and follow-up history of 22 patients in whom the holmium:YAG laser was used to treat ureteral strictures from a variety of causes and including those in ureteroenteric anastomoses. Strictures were either approached in a retrograde fashion with a 6.9F ureteroscope or antegrade with flexible instruments in the cases involving ureteroenteric strictures. The only energy source employed was the laser, followed by balloon dilation. Indwelling stents were left in place for at least 4 weeks postoperatively and follow-up was obtained with radiographic imaging.

Results

A minimum 9-month follow-up was available for 18 patients. There were 5 patients who had developed recurrent strictures and were therefore considered treatment failures. Each of these patients failed in less than 3 months and all had either lengthy or complex strictures noted at the time of surgery. One patient was lost to follow-up and three recent patients have follow-up of 3 to 6 months showing no evidence of recurrent stricture formation. Overall, 16 of 21 (76%) patients are clinically well with no evidence of stricture recurrence.

Conclusions

Endoureterotomy for ureteral stricture disease is a minimally invasive, less morbid, but ultimately less successful, alternative to open surgical reconstruction. Stricture length and etiology remain the most important determinants of success. The holmium:YAG laser, with its ability to precisely cut tissue and provide hemostasis and its multiuse potential and compatibility with small rigid and flexible endoscopic instruments, is an ideal tool for performing endoureterotomy.     

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。     

输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄疗效分析

目的:探讨输尿管镜下钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄的临床疗效.方法:采用经输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄患者31例,术中留置F8双J管,术后2～3个月拔取双J管.结果:术后共随访28例,时间3～28个月.23例治愈,治愈率为82.1%(23/28).结论:输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄是一种疗效确切、安全微创的手术方法.     

Prevention of spinal bone loss by potassium citrate in cases of calcium urolithiasis

PURPOSE: We assessed the effectiveness and safety of holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for managing upper urinary tract calculi in a prospective cohort of 598 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ureteroscopic holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy was performed in 598 patients between 1993 and 1999. Calculi were located in the distal ureter in 39.6% of cases, mid ureter in 18.6%, proximal ureter in 32.4% and kidney in 9.4%. Patients were treated on an outpatient basis with various flexible and semirigid endoscopes. Of the cases 59% were referred as previous treatment failures. Patients were assessed 6 to 12 weeks postoperatively with repeat plain x-ray and ultrasound or excretory urography for late obstructive complications. RESULTS: The overall stone-free rate was 97%. As stratified by location, the stone-free rate was 98% in the distal ureter, 100% in the mid ureter, 97% in the proximal ureter and 84% in the kidney. Fragmentation was incomplete in 6% of cases and secondary intervention was required in 6%. The overall complication rate was 4%. New onset ureteral stricture developed postoperatively in 0.35% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for managing ureteral and a proportion of intrarenal calculi on an outpatient basis. The effectiveness and versatility of the holmium laser combined with small rigid or flexible endoscopes make it our modality of choice for ureteroscopic lithotripsy.     

Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Endoureterotomy for Benign Ureteral Strictures: a Single-Centre Experience

Purpose: This study aimed to report the results of endoureterotomy for benign ureteral strictures using the holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser.

Material and methods: Nineteen patients (8 men and 11 women, mean age 51.47 years) underwent holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser endoureterotomy for benign ureteral strictures (8 proximal, 3 middle, and 8 distal) using semirigid ureteroscopy and 360-μm fibre at 1.2 J/pulse and 10 Hz. After completion of the incision, a 7-Fr double-J ureteral stent was left for 6 weeks. Thereafter, the patients were followed-up by ultrasound and/or intravenous urography at 36 monthly intervals.

Results: Success was defined as the absence of symptoms plus radiographic resolution of obstructions as assessed by diuretic renography and/or intravenous urography. With a mean follow-up of 40.2 months, success was achieved in 10 (52.6%) of the 19 patients. Nine patients developed recurrent strictures and were considered treatment failures. The stricture length and severity of hydronephrosis correlated with successful outcome, but gender, aetiology, side and location of strictures did not predict outcome.

Conclusions: Although endoureterotomy using a holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser has an equivocal outcome, the procedure is recommended as a safe, less invasive therapeutic option for the initial management of benign ureteral strictures.     

Low-power holmium:YAG laser urethrotomy for treatment of urethral strictures: functional outcome and quality of life

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of endourethrotomy with the holmium:YAG laser as a minimally invasive treatment for urethral stricture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and January 2004, 32 male patients with symptomatic urethral strictures (8 bulbar, 9 penile, 9 combined) were treated with Ho:YAG-laser urethrotomy in our department. The stricture was iatrogenic in 60% (N = 18), inflammatory in 16.6% (N = 5), traumatic in 13.3% (N = 4), and idiopathic in 7% (N = 3). The stricture was incised under vision at the 12 o'clock location or the site of maximum scar tissue or narrowing in asymmetric strictures. Laser energy was set on 1200 to 1400 mJ with a frequency of 10 to 13 Hz. Postoperatively, drainage of the bladder was performed for 4 days using a 18F silicone catheter. Triamcinolone was instilled intraurethrally after removal of the catheter in all patients. Patients were followed up by mailed questionnaire, including International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life. RESULTS: Retrograde endoscopic Ho:YAG laser urethrotomy could be performed in all 32 patients. Most patients (22; 68.7%) did not need any reintervention. Ten patients developed recurrent strictures that were treated by another laser urethrotomy in 4 patients (12.5%), while 6 patients (18.7%) needed open urethroplasty with buccal mucosa. Including 2 patients treated with repeat laser urethrotomy, 24 patients (75%) were considered successful after a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 13-38 months). No intraoperative complications were encountered, although in 5% of patients, a urinary-tract infection was diagnosed postoperatively. No gross hematuria occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The Ho:YAG laser urethrotomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive therapeutic modality for urethral stricture with results comparable to those of conventional urethrotomy. Further data from long-time follow-up are necessary to compare the success rate with that of conventional urethrotomy and urethroplasty. Nevertheless, the Ho:YAG laser urethrotomy might at least be an alternative to urethroplasty in patients with high comorbidity who are not suitable for open reconstruction.     

Potential applications of the erbium:YAG laser in endourology.

The holmium:YAG laser has become the laser of choice in endourology because of its multiple applications in the fragmentation of kidney stones, incision of strictures, and coagulation of tumors. This paper describes the potential use of a new laser, the erbium:YAG laser, for applications in endourology. Recent studies suggest that the Er:YAG laser may be superior to the Ho:YAG laser for precise ablation of strictures with minimal peripheral thermal damage and for more efficient laser lithotripsy. The Er:YAG laser cuts urethral and ureteral tissues more precisely than does the Ho:YAG laser, leaving a residual peripheral thermal damage zone of 30 +/- 10 microm compared with 290 +/- 30 microm for the Ho:YAG laser. This result may be important in the treatment of strictures, where residual thermal damage may induce scarring and result in stricture recurrence. The Er:YAG laser may represent an alternative to the cold knife and Ho:YAG laser in applications where minimal mechanical and thermal insult to tissue is required.     

输尿管镜下钬激光治疗输尿管良性狭窄伴结石35例临床分析

目的分析输尿管镜钬激光治疗输尿管良性狭窄伴结石的方法及效果。方法 2010年12月至2012年12月运用输尿管镜钬激光治疗输尿管良性狭窄伴结石35例,男26例,女9例;年龄(42.97±7.85)岁;狭窄段长度0.2~1.6cm,结石最大径0.5~2.1cm。结果成功行狭窄段钬激光内切开并碎石33例。手术时间30~90min,平均(44.97±10.97)min。术后平均住院(4.94±1.72)d,双J管留置8周。随访3~27个月,平均(13.03±5.78)个月。2例术后分别6个月、9个月再狭窄,因狭窄段较长行开放手术狭窄段切除对端吻合治愈。结论输尿管镜钬激光治疗严格选择的输尿管良性狭窄伴结石安全、高效、微创、预后好。     

Holmium:YAG laser treatment of ureteral calculi: a 5-year experience

The purpose of this study was to provide an account of the 5-year experience we have gained using holmium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Ho:YAG) lasertripsy in the treatment of ureteral stones. One-hundred thirty-seven transurethral ureterolithotripsies were performed in 131 patients. A Ho:YAG laser device, fibres with diameters of 360 and 550 μm, a video camera as well as semi-rigid and flexible ureterorenoscopes were used. Results showed that the direct success rates—which meant stone-free ureters on the first post-operative day—in the upper, middle and lower ureters were 84.6, 88.7 and 94.8%, respectively. The final success rates—which meant stone-free ureters 4 weeks after the operation without a second intervention—were 84.6, 96.7 and 96.7%, respectively. The pulsatile Ho:YAG laser beam fragmented all kinds of stones easily. No ureteral stricture or reflux was identified during the follow-up period. The advantages of Ho lasertripsy outweighed its disadvantages. Based on our experience, the Ho:YAG laser is one of the most effective and safest energy sources in the treatment of ureteral calculi.     

国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石55例报告

目的:比较硬性输尿管镜下国产钬激光与进口钬激光治疗输尿管结石的临床效果。方法:2003年12月~2005年3月应用国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石55例,并通过文献复习与进口钬激光输尿管碎石术的疗效进行比较。结果:国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石55例59枚获得成功,效果满意。2周结石排尽率90%,4周结石排尽率97%。术后并发输尿管狭窄1例,双J管上移1例,无其他并发症发生。与进口钬激光比较,临床效果相当。结论:国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石的疗效满意,且价格便宜,值得临床推广应用。     

Long-term results of endoureterotomy using a holmium laser

The long-term results of endoureterotomy using a holmium laser in cases of benign ureteral stricture, uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJ-O) and ureteroenteric stricture were evaluated. Twenty procedures were carried out in 18 patients. Strictures were incised with a holmium laser using a fiber passed through the ureteroscope. Sixteen of the 20 procedures (80%) were successful at average follow-up of 60.5 months (range, 46-74). Stricture recurred in four cases. All failures occurred within 18 months. Although stricture length was not correlated with recurrence, all failures, with the exception of a single UPJ-O, involved middle ureteral strictures. Endoureterotomy using a holmium laser affords favorable results with respect to long-term patency. This procedure is recommended as a satisfactory therapeutic option for the initial management of patients presenting with ureteral stricture.     

Holmium laser ablation of recurrent strictures of urethra and bladder neck: preliminary results

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with recurrent urethral strictures represents a challenge for the practicing urologist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser in the management of recurrent urethral strictures in 13 patients. The energy level was set at 1.0 at a frequency of 10 pulses/sec. No treatment complications were observed. The mean preoperative maximum flow rate by uroflowmetric analysis was 3.8 mL/sec. RESULTS: Nine patients (69%) continue to do well with no symptoms at a median follow-up of 27 months with a mean maximum flow rate of 19 mL/sec. Of the four patients in whom treatment failed, three were retreated with the Ho:YAG laser. One of them was managed by insertion of a permanent urethral stent, another continues to do well without any further treatment, and the other is managed with dilation by self-catheterization. One of the four failures underwent open reconstructive urethroplasty after recurrence following his first treatment with the Ho:YAG laser. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that Ho:YAG laser ablation of urethral strictures is safe and might be a reasonable alternative endoscopic treatment for recurrent urethral strictures.     

输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗输尿管狭窄

目的探讨输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗输尿管狭窄的疗效。方法应用输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗11例输尿管狭窄患者,其中合并输尿管结石6例;合并输尿管息肉2例;单纯炎性狭窄3例。术后平均留置双J管6周。结果11例均手术成功。术后均获随访,平均随访时间6.5个月。11例均获痊愈。无并发症发生。结论输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗输尿管狭窄是一种安全、有效、微创的治疗方法。     

Low-power holmium laser for the management of urinary tract calculi, structures, and tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Introduction of the holmium laser has provided an indispensable tool for the management of urinary tract stones, strictures, and superficial urothelial tumors. While full-power holmium lasers are required for laser resection of the prostate, lower-power devices can be utilized for all cases of stone fragmentation and stricture incision and most cases of superficial urothelial tumors. Herein, we report our initial experience in utilizing a low-power holmium laser in our endourologic practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 6-month period, we have utilized both low-power (25 W) and full-power (80 W) holmium lasers to fragment urinary tract stones, incise ureteral or urethral strictures, and ablate superficial urothelial tumors. A series of 80 consecutive patients were assessed prospectively. Laser fibers with a diameter of 200 microm and 365 microm were employed with power settings of 6.4 to 10 W. Laser fiber size and power settings were similar for the low- and full-power devices. RESULTS: Overall, 95% of the stones were completely fragmented, with a stone-free rate at 3 months of 92%. All strictures were incised, with a 91% patency rate at 3 months. Complete tumor ablation was attained in 70%, with a tumor-free rate of 60% at 3 months. Results were equivalent for the low- and full-power lasers. The 200-microm laser fiber allowed adequate access throughout the upper urinary tract during flexible ureteroscopy and flexible nephroscopy. The 365-microm laser fiber was employed via rigid and semirigid endoscopes. CONCLUSIONS: A low-power holmium laser supplies adequate fragmentation and incision power for virtually all endourologic cases. It also provides ablative power in most situations. The only current urologic application that cannot be performed with the low-power device is laser prostatic resection, which requires 60 to 80 W of power. The reduced-power holmium laser should be considered as a low-cost alternative for the management of urinary tract stones, strictures, and urothelial tumors, especially in centers where laser prostatic resection is not performed.     

输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗输尿管狭窄

目的探讨输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗输尿管狭窄的疗效.方法应用输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗11例输尿管狭窄患者,其中合并输尿管结石6例;合并输尿管息肉2例;单纯炎性狭窄3例.术后平均留置双J管6周.结果11例均手术成功.术后均获随访,平均随访时间6.5个月.11例均获痊愈.无并发症发生.结论输尿管镜钬激光内切开治疗输尿管狭窄是一种安全、有效、微创的治疗方法.     

输尿管结石ESWL失败改腔内钬激光碎石术的疗效观察

目的 探讨输尿管结石ESWL失败后采用腔内钬激光碎石术的临床疗效。方法 自2001年10月至2002年8月，对28例输尿管结石(ESWL失败)行输尿管镜下钬激光碎石术。结果 26例经输尿管镜下钬激光碎石术治愈，治愈率92．8％(26／28)；1例结石上移，辅以ESWL治愈；1例因输尿管纤维性扭曲改开放手术。结论 输尿管镜下钬激光碎石术安全、有效、方便，可以作为输尿管结石的首选治疗。     

Holmium:YAG laser endoureterotomy in the treatment of ureteroenteric stricture following Indiana urinary diversion

A 57-year-old man who had received radical urethrocystectomy and Indiana urinary diversion 6 months earlier was treated for ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture (left side) using a Holmium:YAG laser via antegrade approach. The availability of small (6.9 Fr) flexible ureteroscope, as well as the use of the Holmium:YAG laser has facilitated the ability to precisely incise the stricture under direct endoscopic visualization. The technique is described for laser endoureterotomy in a patient with ureteroenteric stricture following Indiana urinary diversion.