Laparoscopic cutaneous ureterostomy: technique for palliative upper urinary tract drainage

Laparoscopy-assisted cutaneous ureterostomy at suprapubic creaseline facilitates subsequent reimplantation

BACKGROUND:

Cutaneous ureterostomy is still practiced despite a trend towards primary surgical correction for obstructive or refluxive uropathy. For future open reimplantation, ureterostomy can be created by minimal invasive technique at the end(s) of the suprapubic creaseline.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

From 1 January 2009 to 31 July 2012, seven children were treated with laparoscopy-assisted cutaneous ureterostomy followed by ureteric reimplantation. Indications were primary obstructive megaureter 3, hugely dilated ureters with reflux 3 and posterior urethral valve with poor general health 1. The distal manoeuverable part of tortuous ureter was pulled to the surface at either end of suprapubic creaseline to create the stoma. During reimplantation, this stoma was dismembered and brought inside urinary bladder obviating the need for stoma-site repair.

RESULTS:

Mean age was 4.6 ± 2.8 years with six males. There were three bilateral cases with total 10 lesions. Mean operating time was 39.8 ± 12.5 minutes. Mean follow-up was 1.7 ± 0.8 years and except for peri-stomal excoriations no major complication occurred. All these were reimplanted 6-12 months after ureterostomy and faring well except in one case.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laparoscopy-assisted cutaneous ureterostomy can be fashioned at suprapubic creaseline to facilitate future reimplantation without much jeopardy and extra scar.

Retroperitoneoscopic Cutaneous Ureterostomy in the Supine Position to Relieve Painful Urinary-related Symptoms in an Advanced Anal Canal Cancer Patient

A case of advanced anal canal cancer with skin metastases that extended to the scrotum, penis, and lower abdomen is presented. The patient had severe pain on contact with voided urine because of skin tumors. The curved penis did not allow insertion of catheter to treat painful urination, and suprapubic cystostomy insertion was also impossible because of skin tumors. A right cutaneous ureterostomy was performed using the retroperitoneoscopic approach in supine position, and the left renal artery was embolized using ethanol to eliminate left kidney function. The patient became completely free from all urinary-related pains until he died of progressive disease.

Urinary Diversion

A consensus conference convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Société Internationale d'Urologie (SIU) met to critically review reports of urinary diversion. The world literature on urinary diversion was identified through a Medline search. Evidence-based recommendations for urinary diversion were prepared with reference to a 4-point scale. Many level 3 and 4 citations, but very few level 2 and no level 1, were noted. This outcome supported the clinical practice pattern. Findings of >300 reviewed citations are summarized. Published reports on urinary diversion rely heavily on expert opinion and single-institution retrospective case series: (1) The frequency distribution of urinary diversions performed by the authors of this report in >7000 patients with cystectomy reflects the current status of urinary diversion after cystectomy for bladder cancer: neobladder, 47%; conduit, 33%; anal diversion, 10%; continent cutaneous diversion, 8%; incontinent cutaneous diversion, 2%; and others, 0.1%. (2) No randomized controlled studies have investigated quality of life (QOL) after radical cystectomy. Such studies are desirable but are probably difficult to conduct. Published evidence does not support an advantage of one type of reconstruction over the others with regard to QOL. An important proposed reason for this is that patients are subjected preoperatively to method-to-patient matching, and thus are prepared for disadvantages associated with different methods. (3) Simple end-to-side, freely refluxing ureterointestinal anastomosis to an afferent limb of a low-pressure orthotopic reconstruction, in combination with regular voiding and close follow-up, is the procedure that results in the lowest overall complication rate. The potential benefit of "conventional" antireflux procedures in combination with orthotopic reconstruction seems outweighed by the higher complication and reoperation rates. The need to prevent reflux in a continent cutaneous reservoir is not significantly debated, and this should be done. (4) Most reconstructive surgeons have abandoned the continent Kock ileal reservoir largely because of the significant complication rate associated with the intussuscepted nipple valve.

Bilateral ureterocutaneostomy with modified stoma: long-term follow-up

Ileal conduit and orthotopic bladder substitution have been the preferred options for urinary diversion after cystectomy. Self-catheterisation has revolutionised the management of neuropathic bladder. However, ureterocutaneostomy (cutaneous ureterostomy) described as a means of supravesical urinary diversion 40 years ago still has a definite role for both temporary and permanent diversion particularly in the developing countries. We present a small series of cutaneous ureterostomies performed in four children who have now grown up to become adults without being undiverted. We discuss the technique that we used to modify the stoma, which helped prevent stomal complications over the long term. Our results we believe will rekindle the interest in cutaneous ureterostomy as a viable option for permanent urinary diversion. Four children between ages 2 and 16 years had bilateral side-to-side single stoma tubeless end cutaneous ureterostomy as a primary procedure for permanent urinary diversion. The stoma was modified to prevent retraction and stenosis. Long-term follow-up is presented. All the children have grown up to become adults with their ureterocutaneostomies functioning very well. There have been no biochemical or mechanical complications. Only one out of four stomas had to be refashioned. A simple collection device has proved successful in maintaining a watertight drainage system without apparent problems. Bilateral side-to-side single stoma end cutaneous ureterostomy with modification of the stoma by a plastic surgical technique can help achieve a non-retracting stoma on which a collection device can snuggly fit. It is a viable option for permanent urinary diversion without any significant complications. It is simple, easy and highly practical way of managing urinary diversion especially in the developing countries.

Effect of ureteral access sheath on stone-free rates in patients undergoing ureteroscopic management of renal calculi

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of ureteral access sheaths (UASs) on stone-free rates (SFRs) during ureteroscopic treatment of renal calculi. Several advantages of UASs during flexible ureteroscopy have been documented. However, no study has evaluated their impact on SFRs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all ureteroscopic cases for the management of renal stones performed at our Stone Center. Data were stratified according to the use or lack of use of the UAS. The groups were stratified by stone location within the kidney. Stone-free status was determined at 2 months postoperatively by either intravenous urography with tomograms or noncontrast renal computed tomography in patients with contrast allergies.

RESULTS

A total of 256 ureteroscopic procedures for the removal of renal calculi were performed between 1997 and 2003 (173 with UAS and 83 without). The groups were similar in age, sex, and stone burden. Stents were placed in nearly 80% of patients. The lower renal pole represented the most common presenting location. Stone displacement with a ureteroscopic basket for efficient fragmentation was necessary in 34%. The overall SFR in the UAS group and non-UAS group was 79% and 67%, respectively (P = 0.042). The SFRs were improved for calculi in all portions of the kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to facilitating ureteroscopic access, reducing costs, and lowering intrarenal pressures, the results of the current study suggest that UASs improve SFRs during the management of renal calculi. It is now our current practice to use the UAS routinely during ureteroscopic treatment of renal and upper ureteral calculi.

A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach to endourology

Although endoscopic methods have become the preferred means of management for many diseases facing the genitourinary surgeon, a laparoscopic approach might be considered comparable or advantageous in select circumstances. In the literature, laparoscopists reporting their work have favored the transperitoneal approach; however, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopy. Intracorporeal suturing remains the most time-consuming aspect of reconstructive surgery, and research emphasis has been on suturing devices and novel anastomotic techniques. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is efficacious and should be considered, particularly in the case of a capacious renal pelvis, crossing vessel, or failed previous endopyelotomy. Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is uniquely suitable for patients with aberrant anatomy, such as a horseshoe kidney, and may be performed concurrently with pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The use of laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation awaits further development in both open and subtrigonal injection techniques. Its use in colposuspension is undetermined and requires further study as suturing technology improves. During laparoscopic exploration, it is possible to address intraoperative injuries to the ureter and bladder laparoscopically. In summary, laparoscopic surgery of the urinary tract is a "work in progress," but it offers promise for some of the most challenging of circumstances. As the technology advances and the clinical experience widens, the indications and contraindications for these techniques will be better established.

Laparoscopic creation of a catheterizable cutaneous ureterovesicostomy

Nephrectomy and creation of a cutaneous ureterovesicostomy for intermittent catheterization of the bladder traditionally requires two surgical procedures performed through separate incisions. Herein we report completion of these procedures using a transperitoneal laparoscopic approach, with the ureterovesicostomy stoma created at one of the laparoscopic working ports. The clinical course was remarkable for a shortened postoperative hospitalization (48 hours) with minimal incisional pain, and an excellent long-term result with complete bladder emptying and resolution of urinary infections. Laparoscopic application of the Mitrofanoff principle for creation of a catheterizable cutaneous ureterovesicostomy combines the advantages of both, allowing optimal preservation of ureteral vascularity, minimal morbidity, and efficient bladder evacuation.