Successful endoscopic management of a chronic transplant ureterocutaneous fistula

Endoscopic management of a chronic ureterocutaneous fistula using cyanoacrylic glue

Ureterocutaneous fistula is a rare complication of renal surgery. Cyanoacrylate glue is a tissue adhesive, used primarily for the endoscopic control of bleeding from gastric varices. A female aged 33 presented to our facility with a ureterocutaneous fistula after surgery. We used a retrograde endoscopic approach for the instillation of 2 ml of sealant into the ureteral lumen to seal the ureter and fistulous tract. The fistulous opening healed spontaneously a week after the procedure, and the patient remained dry and symptom free for 5 months following the procedure. Endoscopic delivery of cyanoacrylate sealant was a feasible and effective way in treating a ureterocutaneous fistula in our patient.

Feasibility of transumbilical anatomic pulmonary lobectomy in a canine model

PURPOSE

Transthoracic thoracoscopic lobectomy is the preferred method of surgical treatment for early lung cancer. Current methods require a transthoracic approach and are associated with chronic postoperative pain in up to 25% of patients. Single-port transumbilical uniport surgery may offer advantages over multiport surgery with less postoperative pain and better cosmetic results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a transumbilical anatomic lobectomy of the lung (TUAL) in a canine model.

METHODS

TUAL was performed in 12 beagle dogs using a 3-cm umbilical incision combined with a 2.5-cm diaphragmatic incision. Variables evaluated for surgical outcomes were operating time, operative complications, body rectal temperature, respiratory rate, white blood cell count, and arterial blood gases.

RESULTS

TUAL was successfully completed in ten animals. There were six bleeding complications related to surgery. In four animals, an avulsion of pulmonary vessel causes intraoperative bleeding, requiring simultaneous pulmonary artery and bronchus resections. In one animal, slipping of endoclip after vessel clipping caused perioperative bleeding. The other animal encountered bleeding complication during dissection of inferior pulmonary vein. Both animals required conventional thoracotomy to complete the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

TUAL in the canine model is feasible but associated with significant morbidity. With further development and refinement of instruments, comparative studies between the novel transumbilical lobectomy and the current video-assisted transthoracic lobectomy will clarify the role of transumbilical lobectomy in thoracic surgery.