Intraoperative ultrasound assessment of ureteral patency after uterosacral ligaments apical suspension for prolapse surgical repair: A feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively compare power Doppler ultrasound diagnostic performance with reference standard cystoscopy in evaluating ureteral patency in a population at high risk of ureteral lesions.

METHODS

We analyzed 100 women who underwent pelvic organ prolapse repair. All ultrasound scans were obtained, at the end of the procedures, before cystoscopic evaluation. Bilateral simultaneous ureteral jet evaluation with power Doppler was performed at the level of the ureterovesical junctions with a pulse repetition frequency set to detect low flow for a maximum of 3 min.

RESULTS

According to the reference standard urethrocystoscopy, at least one ureter not ejaculating was observed in 6% of patients, for a total of seven ureters jets not visualized. No false-negative results were obtained. Ultrasound with power Doppler showed 100% sensitivity and 95.9% specificity in detecting the lack of ureteral jet. The negative predictive value was 100%, and the positive predictive value was 46.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound with power Doppler represents an effective and reliable non-invasive screening test to exclude ureteral kinking and reduce the need for intraoperative cystoscopy.

Anatomical variations of the pelvis during abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions

BACKGROUND

Anatomical variations are defined as atypical morphologic and positional presentations of anatomical entities. Pelvic anatomical variations encountered during abdominal hysterectomy can be of clinical interest, given that misidentification of certain structures can lead to iatrogenic injuries and postoperative sequelae. The aim of the present study was to detect and highlight the anatomical structures of interest and their variations to the surgeon performing abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A narrative review of the literature was performed including reports of anatomical variations encountered in cadavers, by surgeons during abdominal hysterectomy and radiologists on computed tomography angiography, searching within a 10-year span on PubMed database. Studies regarding the treatment of malignant conditions requiring lymphadenectomy and different modes of surgical approach were reviewed with regards to the aspects relevant to benign conditions. The search was extended to the reference lists of all retrieved articles.

RESULTS

Ureters and the uterine arteries, due to anatomical variations, are the anatomical structures most vulnerable during abdominal hysterectomy. Specifically, the ureters can present multiplications, retroiliac positionings and ureteric diverticula, whereas, the uterine arteries can present notable variability in their origins. Such variations can be detected preoperatively or intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, the presence of anatomical variations of the uterine arteries and ureters can increase the possibility of complications should they escape detection. Intraoperative misidentification could lead to improper dissection or ligation of the affected structures. Knowledge of these variations, coupled with extensive preoperative investigation and intraoperative vigilance can minimise the risk of complications.

Usefulness of a long sheath in ureteral catheterization after failure of antegrade ureteral stent placement using a short sheath

BACKGROUND

When antegrade ureteral intervention fails due to severe ureteral stricture or tortuosity, a longer sheath can be used to facilitate ureteral catheterization.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of a long sheath in antegrade ureteral stent placement after failure of antegrade ureteral stent placement using a short sheath.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Among 1284 procedures in 934 patients who received ureteral stent placement, a long sheath was used after stricture negotiation failure using a short sheath in 57 (4.4%) procedures in 53 patients. The data of these 53 patients were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The most common reasons for long sheath use were failure of balloon catheter (59.6%) or guidewire (29.8%) advancement across the stricture. Technical success, successful stricture negotiation after using a long sheath, was achieved in 50/57 (87.7%) procedures. In two of seven failed procedures, an additional TIPS sheath was used and the technical success rate improved to 91.2% (52/57). The technical success rate was significantly higher in the patients who have failed balloon catheter advancement (97.1%, 33/34) than the patients who have failed guidewire advancement (64.7%, 11/17) (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.004). Self-limiting hematoma occurred in one patient after use of the long sheath and was considered a minor complication.

CONCLUSION

Ureteral catheterization using a long sheath is feasible and effective when antegrade ureteral intervention using a short sheath fails. When using a long sheath, the technical success rate was higher when advancing the balloon catheter over the guidewire than when advancing the guidewire through tight stricture.

Routine gynecological ultrasound: look at the bladder and the ureters!

BACKGROUND

To illustrate the technical feasibility and diagnostic value of including the assessment of the bladder and the ureters during a standard transvaginal ultrasound examination.

METHODS

We present four cases illustrating ureter and bladder pathology diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound.

RESULTS

In a first case, transvaginal ultrasonography in a woman with lower abdominal pain showed a calculus in the left distal ureter. The small echogenic lesion was easily detectable within the ureter lumen. A second patient, presenting with suprapubic pain, urgency and back pain, was also diagnosed with a ureteral calculus and additionally a hydroureter. The presence of a hydroureter is part of the differential diagnosis of any cystic structure in the pelvis. In a third case, an elderly woman, referred with uterine prolapse, transvaginal ultrasound examination showed a tubular anechoic structure lateral in the pelvis due to a hydroureter, illustrating the differential diagnosis with a hydrosalpinx. A fourth patient, presenting with hematuria, showed an irregular and highly vascularized mass in the bladder and was diagnosed with a transitional cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The bladder and pelvic part of the ureters are easily identifiable on transvaginal scan. Important pathology of the lower urinary tract and the distal ureters can be readily diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound examination. The evaluation of the bladder and the ureters should therefore be part of the standard gynecological ultrasound investigation.

Therapeutic use of tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution for treatment of subcutaneous ureteral bypass device mineralization in cats

Background

Subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device placement is an increasingly popular treatment option for decompression of ureteral obstruction in cats. Mineralization occlusion of the device occurs in a minority of cases but is the most common complication.

Objective

To evaluate a 2% tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (tEDTA) solution for treatment of mineralization occlusion in cats with SUBs.

Animals

Six client‐owned cats (8 obstructed devices).

Methods

Case series. Each cat was found to have device occlusion based on a combination of ultrasound examination, SUB irrigation, and failure to identify another cause of device obstruction. Each SUB was drained, irrigated using sterile saline, and infused with 1‐2 mL of 2% tEDTA solution. Success was defined as normalization of flow during subsequent ultrasound visualization while irrigating. The volume and frequency of tEDTA instillations, time to achieve device patency, follow‐up biochemical and ultrasound findings, and future reobstruction events were recorded.

Results

Resolution of mineralization was documented in all 8 SUBs. Reobstruction events occurred in 2 cats, all of which resolved after additional tEDTA infusions, but 1 cat ultimately required device exchange at 356 days from the first tEDTA infusion. In 1 cat, a single infusion was prematurely discontinued because of persistent pelvic dilatation after 1.25 mL of tEDTA had been instilled. No complications were observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Tetrasodium EDTA infusions can be safely considered as a treatment option for mineralized SUB devices in cats. This solution was easily infused, well tolerated, and avoided the need for SUB device exchange in the majority of cats in which it was used.

Villous Adenoma Arising in the Native Bladder Mucosa and the Upper Urinary Tract With Coexisting Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Following Augmentation Cystoplasty

Villous adenomas arising in the bladder following augmentation cystoplasty procedures are exceedingly rare. Even rarer is their occurrence in the native bladder mucosa and the upper urinary tract. In this article, we present a unique case of multifocal recurrent villous adenoma involving native bladder mucosa of an augmented bladder, bilateral ureters, and renal pelvis, with coexistent foci of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma, in a patient with history of augmentation colocystoplasty. We additionally discuss the pathogenesis of development of carcinoma in the setting of augmentation cystoplasty.

"Valve"-Type Retainment of Flexible Ureteroscope in the Distal Ureter

Introduction: Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) is an endoscopic procedure for the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral and renal calculi. Due to improvements in technique and ureteroscopic instrumentation over the past two decades, complications associated with URS are infrequent. However, in the event of an unexpected device malfunction or failure, the operating surgeon must employ prompt, resolute decision-making to resolve any intraoperative complications and avoid significant injury to the kidney or ureter. Case Presentation: The patient was a 53-year-old male with a 7 mm left upper pole renal stone managed by fURS and laser lithotripsy. A ureteral access sheath (UAS) was not deployed during the procedure. During fragmentation of the stone, we were unexpectedly unable to retract the ureteroscope from the ureter. Herein, we describe the procedural details leading up to the complication and the careful maneuvering required to remove the ureteroscope without damaging the ureter or the instrument. Conclusions: We recommend use of a UAS during fURS for the treatment of ureteral and renal calculi, if not using ureter access sheath, not advancing the ureteroscope above the stone, leaving it behind the tip of the instrument, while in the ureter. Utilization of a ureter access sheath could have possibly avoided this kind of complication.

CT evaluation of the upper urinary tract in adults younger than 50 years with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria: is IV contrast enhancement needed?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to compare CT urography (CTU) with unenhanced CT in the evaluation of upper urinary tracts in adults younger than 50 years with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 1516 CTU examinations were reviewed in adults younger than 50 years. Inclusion criteria were no significant prior urologic disease and asymptomatic microscopic hematuria with at least one urinalysis with greater than or equal to 3 RBCs/high-power field and less than or equal to 50 RBCs/high-power field. Upper urinary tract findings on CTU were classified as malignancy-related or non-malignancy-related hematuria and incidental non-hematuria-related findings. A blinded radiologist reviewed the unenhanced images, recording upper urinary tract findings and recommendations for further contrast-enhanced imaging. The modified Wald equation at a 95% CI, the "Rule of Threes" equation, and binomial distribution were used for malignancy-related findings.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty-five examinations in 442 patients met inclusion criteria. CTU reports showed zero malignancy-related hematuria findings, 64 non-malignancy-related hematuria findings (62 renal calculi and two others), and 138 incidental non-hematuria-related findings. Unenhanced CT interpretation had a sensitivity of 100% (64/64) and a specificity of 89.2% (337/378). The theoretic risk of an upper urinary tract malignancy is 0-1.1%.

CONCLUSION

CTU added no additional diagnostic benefit versus unenhanced CT in evaluating the upper urinary tracts of adults younger than 50 years with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Using only unenhanced CT can reduce radiation and minimize contrast agent-associated risk, with a less than 1.0% risk of missing upper urinary tract hematuria-related malignancy.

Upper urinary tract tumors: how does the contrast enhancement measured in a split-bolus CTU correlate to histological staging?

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography urography (CTU) is used widely in the work-up of patients with symptoms of urinary tract lesions. Preoperative knowledge of whether a tumor is invasive or non-invasive is important for the choice of surgery. So far there are no studies about the distinction of invasive and non-invasive tumors in ureter and renal pelvis based on the enhancement measured with Hounsfield Units.

PURPOSE

To examine the value of CTU using split-bolus technique to distinguish non-invasive from invasive urothelial carcinomas in the upper urinary tract.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients who underwent nephroureterectomy between 2006 and 2011 and who had split-bolus CTU prior to surgery were included. The images were available electronically. The attenuation values before and after administration of iodine-based contrast media were measured. The radiology, patient, and pathology records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 158 patients who underwent unilateral nephroureterectomy 69 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Histopathological examination revealed 31 patients with non-invasive and 38 with invasive urothelial carcinoma. Neither absolute attenuation nor change in attenuation values obtained at CTU could distinguish between invasive and non-invasive lesions. No patients had a CTU within the last year before the examination that resulted in surgery.

CONCLUSION

A split-bolus CTU cannot distinguish between invasive and non-invasive urothelial tumors in the upper urinary tract, but the examination is useful to diagnose a tumor in the renal pelvis and the ureter.