Reconstruction of full-length ureter defects by laparoscopic bladder flap forming

• Main Authors: Yuchen Bai, Haibin Wei, Alin Ji, Qi Zhang, Shuai Wang, Yonghan Peng, Xiaofeng Gao, Feng Liu, Dahong Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2021-02-01
• Series: Scientific Reports
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-83518-0

Abstract To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic bladder muscle flap reconstruction in the treatment of extensive ureteral avulsion. Patients with full-length (re length > 20 cm) and upper ureteral (avulsion length > 10 cm) defects were eligible. All patients were treated with laparoscopic bladder muscle flap reconstruction. Peri-operative information and post-operative complications were recorded. The kidney function, urinary ultrasound or computed tomography (CT), sun-renal function tests emission computed tomography (ECT) and cystography after operation were recorded. Ten patients were included (7 with full-length and 3 with upper ureteral defects). Median age was 56 years and 70% of them were female. The average operation time and blood loss was 124 min and 92.2 ml. There was no treatment-related adverse effects including urinary leakage, renal colic, fever, etc. The median follow-up was 18.5 months (3–39 months). The surgery did not significantly alter the renal function and separation degree of the renal pelvis during long-term follow-up. Double J stents were removed in nine patients (90%) within six months after operation. Only one case was diagnosed with post-operative anastomotic stricture, and subsequently received laparoscopic ipsilateral nephrectomy one year after the reconstruction operation. All cases had normal voiding and pear-shaped cystography. Laparoscopic bladder flap repair is a safe and effective treatment approach together with several advantages for patients with full-length or upper ureteral avulsion.