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.     

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.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的腔内治疗

目的 探讨腔内技术治疗尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄的临床应用价值.方法 膀胱癌尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄患者9例,狭窄段长度1～3 cm,均采用腔内技术治疗,顺行经皮肾处理8例,逆行输尿管镜处理1例;术中使用高压气囊配合筋膜扩张器扩张,术后留置双J管.结果 随访0.5～5.0年.1例吻合口闭锁患者术后3个月仍为重度积水,患者拒绝开放手术而长期留置肾造瘘管;8例患者肾积水减轻,再次逆行扩张狭窄段并留置双J管,其中5例经2～3次扩张换管,拔除双J管后复查肾积水稳定于轻度状态;3例拔除双J管后腰痛不适,需要长期留置双J管.结论 尿流改道术后输尿管肠代膀胱吻合口狭窄腔内技术治疗效果良好,可避免开放手术的风险.     

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。     

经皮顺行球囊扩张治疗输尿管-肠吻合口狭窄

目的：评价经皮肾穿刺顺行球囊扩张治疗尿流改道术或原位膀胱术后输尿管-肠吻合口狭窄治疗效果。方法：对15例尿流改道术或原位膀胱术后患者，共25处输尿管-肠吻合口狭窄，采用经皮肾穿刺顺行球囊扩张，并置入输尿管支架管6周进行引流治疗。结果：本组15例中，2例双侧和1例单侧狭窄患者因导丝不能通过狭窄处，扩张失败。其余8例双侧狭窄、4例单侧狭窄患者均成功完成扩张，其中9例拔除支架管后症状好转，血肌酐下降及肾积水保持稳定，随访时间3～29个月（平均13个月），有效率60％；另3例拔除支架管后1～3个月，血肌酐进行性上升，予以再次留置输尿管内支架管并定期更换。结论：经皮肾穿刺顺行球囊扩张治疗输尿管-肠吻合口狭窄，创伤小，操作简单，可替代开放手术作为首选治疗方案。     

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.     

Endoscopic treatment of ureteric strictures: acucise, cold-knife endoureterotomy and wall stents as a salvage approach

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors influencing the results of endoureterotomy using cold-knife and cutting balloon dilatation, and permanent ureteral wall stents in patients with benign ureteral strictures after different operations affecting the ureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 4-year period, in 18 patients, endoscopic cold-knife and Acucise endoureterotomies were performed in 13 and 7 renal units, respectively. Eight Memoterm permanent ureteral wall stents were inserted into 7 patients when endoureterotomy failed. Successful outcome was defined by the absence of re-stricture assessed both clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: The strictures were secondary to ureterolithotomy in 6, ureteroscopy in 3, gynecological procedures in 4, abdominal surgeries in 2, transplantation in 2 and continent urinary diversion in 1. The right and left ureters were unilaterally affected in 5 and 11 patients, respectively (5 of them had a solitary kidney), while the remaining 2 patients had bilateral ureteral strictures. We achieved total ureteral patency of 3 (43%) and 7 (54%) renal units with Acucise and cold-knife incision, respectively. Obstructive uropathy was resolved in 6 renal units (75%) of 8 using ureteral wall stents. CONCLUSION: Endoureterotomy with cold-knife or Acucise cutting balloon dilatation is effective in the treatment of iatrogenic ureteral strictures, but only in a selected group. Based on our results, the favorable prognostic criteria for endoureterotomy are the length (< or =1.5 cm), the nonischemic nature of the stricture and adequate renal function. As a salvage approach, permanent self-expanding ureteral wall stents with a 75% success rate may provide a satisfactory outcome for decompression of an obstructed system.     

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.     

Glomerular filtration rate up to 10 years after urinary diversion of different types. A comparative study of ileal and colonic conduit, refluxing and antirefluxing ureteral anastomosis and continent caecal reservoir

To evaluate the influence of conduit type (ileal or colonic) and method of ureterointestinal anastomosis (refluxing or antirefluxing) on renal function in patients with urinary diversion, a prospective randomized trial was conducted in 1977-1984. During these years urinary diversion via a continent caecal reservoir emerged as an alternative to conduit diversion at our hospital, and these patients with continent reservoir were also included in the study. Total and separate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured, the latter with scintillation camera renography, preoperatively and at follow-up in 70 patients. Measurements 2-10 years postoperatively showed slight to moderate decrease of GFR in all groups, with no significant difference between values according to conduit type or caecal reservoir or between refluxing and antirefluxing ureterointestinal anastomosis. Almost all of the anastomotic strictures involved the ureter that had been brought beneath the sigmoid mesentery, indicating that ischemia secondary to extensive ureteral mobilization is a likely cause of stricture in these cases.     

Percutaneous management of benign ureteroileal anastomotic strictures after ileal conduit urinary diversion

We report our experience with the endourological treatment of 4 patients with 5 benign ureteroileal anastomotic strictures after ileal conduit urinary diversion. The treatment was successful in 4 of the 5 renal units without restenosis with a mean follow up of 10 months. The strictures were dilated by ureteral dilators and/or balloon dilation catheters using guide wires through percutaneous nephrostomies in an antegrade fashion. A 9 or 12 Fr. percutaneous splint catheter or a 12 Fr. double pig tail catheter was placed for 3-8 weeks after a successful dilation. Two renal units underwent repeated dilations. In 1 renal unit, a guide wire was hardly passed through the stricture and the treatment was unsuccessful. No serious complications were encountered. Percutaneous endourological managements of ureteroileal anastomotic strictures seemed to be quite versatile techniques which should be tried as the initial approach in many cases.