Clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life assessment following minimally invasive reconstructive surgery for benign ureteral strictures.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive ureteral reconstruction for benign strictures and analyze its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological status.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 29 patients undergoing robotic/laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction at our institution. Surgical outcomes were assessed through imaging, laboratory parameters, and patient-reported outcomes assessed via the validated SF-36 quality-of-life instrument and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) psychological distress screening tool.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 12 months, the surgical success rate was 96.6%. The perioperative complication rate was 6.90% (2 cases of transient high fever), with no severe adverse events observed. Preoperative SF-36 scores in physical functioning (PF) and bodily pain (BP) domains were significantly lower than those of the general population (p < 0.001). Postoperatively, except for vitality(VT) and mental health (MH) domains which surpassed population norms, scores in other dimensions showed no significant differences compared to the general population (p > 0.05). Notably, all SF-36 domains demonstrated significant improvement from baseline (p < 0.05). Additionally, both anxiety and depression scores assessed by HADS decreased markedly after surgery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive ureteral repair and reconstruction effectively relieves obstruction, improves renal function, and significantly enhances health-related quality of life and psychological well-being, representing a safe therapeutic option for benign ureteral strictures. Surgical intervention reduces the need for long-term stent or nephrostomy placement, thereby alleviating physical and psychological burdens. Further studies with expanded cohorts and extended follow-up durations are warranted to validate long-term outcomes.