Urology Annals (Jan 2009)
Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy for management of lower ureteric strictures
Abstract
Aim: We assessed the results of laparoscopic transperitoneal ureteroneocystostomy with or without a psoas hitch for management of lower ureteral strictures. Materials and Methods: Between October 2005 and August 2008, 16 patients with lower ureteric strictures underwent laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with or without a psoas hitch. Etiology of strictures was gynecological surgery in 11, surgery for stone disease in 3, ureterovaginal fistula in 1 and primary obstructive megaureter in 1. Transperitoneal 3- or 4-port laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy was performed with or without psoas hitch. Results: All operations were successfully completed without any need for conversion to open. Mean operative time was 171.56 min (range 130 to 260 min), mean blood loss was 93.44 cc (range 30 to 200 cc) and total hospital stay was 3.73 days (range 3 to 6 days). Mean time to resume oral intake was 12.5 h (range 8 to 22 h). Mean follow-up period was 21.83 months (range 6-39 months). Postoperative follow-up investigations revealed successful outcome in all 16 patients, success being defined as relief of symptoms and radiological improvement, irrespective of the refluxing status. Non-refluxing status was achieved in 15 out of 16 patients as determined by micturition cystography. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy is a safe and effective procedure, with inherent advantages of laparoscopic surgery.