Laparoendoscopic single-site ureteroureterostomy with intraoperative retrograde ureteroscopy-assisted technique for benign proximal and middle ureteral strictures: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE

To report a minimally invasive and reproducible technique that greatly facilitates the identification of the stricture during laparoendoscopic single-site ureteroureterostomy (LESS-UU) for benign proximal and middle ureteral strictures, using the intraoperative retrograde ureteroscopy-assisted technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 2011 and January 2013, 13 patients with a benign proximal or middle ureteral stricture underwent LESS-UU at our institution. A combination of diuretic renal scans, antegrade/retrograde ureteropyelography and/or computed tomography, and stent placement or exchange was preoperatively performed to assess all patients. The intraoperative retrograde ureteroscopy-assisted technique was used to identify the exact position of the stricture and place the stenting during LESS-UU.

RESULTS

Intraoperative retrograde ureteroscopy was successfully performed in all cases. The mean operative time was 156 minutes (range, 125-190 minutes), and the estimated blood loss was 80 mL (range, 20-160 mL). The mean hospital stay was 5 days (range, 4-7 days). One patient required conversion to open surgery because of the severe adhesions surrounding the stricture that resulted in failure to progress. Urine leakage occurred in 1 patient postoperatively and was successfully treated by conservative management. Postoperative fever occurred in another patient, who was treated with a dose of oral antibiotics. No major intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred. Clinical and radiographic success was achieved in 100% (13/13) of patients during a mean follow-up of 13.1 months (range, 9-27 months).

CONCLUSIONS

LESS-UU is feasible and safe for repairing benign proximal and middle ureteral stricture. The intraoperative retrograde ureteroscopy-assisted technique during LESS-UU is useful for localizing the stricture.