Percutaneous implantation of subcutaneous prosthetic ureters: long-term outcome.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

We have used an extra-anatomic subcutaneous alloplastic ureteral replacement initially to bypass ureteral obstruction secondary to advanced pelvic malignancies in patients with a short life expectancy. Following the encouraging preliminary results, our list of indications has broadened to include complex benign ureteral strictures. We herein report the long-term outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A series of 35 subcutaneous prosthetic ureters were implanted percutaneously in 27 patients (19 unilateral and 8 bilateral) to bypass extrinsic ureteral obstructions. The nature of obstruction was neoplastic in 22 patients and benign in 5. A composite prosthesis, consisting of two coaxial tubes--internal pure smooth silicone covered by coiled e-PTFE--has been designed to serve as the ureteral replacement. This tube is inserted percutaneously into the renal pelvis, tunnelled subcutaneously, and introduced through a small suprapubic incision in the bladder. All patients were followed to date or until death from tumor. The mean follow-up was 6.3 months for the deceased patients and 47 months for the surviving ones, the longest follow-up being 84 months.

RESULTS:

No operative or immediate postoperative deaths were observed. Initial difficulty in placing the prosthesis was encountered in 5 of the 27 patients (19%). Secondary parietal complications occurred in 8.5% of cases (3/35). The prosthetic ureter had to be removed in one patient because of skin erosion. Return to a standard percutaneous nephrostomy was needed in two patients because of local tumor progression with bladder fistulae. Five patients are alive with the prosthesis in place and a follow-up as long as 84 months without encrustation, infection, obstruction, or skin problems and with normally functioning kidneys.

CONCLUSION:

The subcutaneous urinary diversion using a silicone-PTFE prosthesis is an efficient and minimally invasive way to bypass malignant or complex benign obstructions of the ureters that otherwise would necessitate permanent nephrostomy drainage.

• Authors: M E Jabbour, F Desgrandchamps, E Angelescu, P Teillac, A Le Duc
• Journal: Journal of endourology (J Endourol) Vol. 15 Issue 6 Pg. 611-4 (Aug 2001) ISSN: 0892-7790 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11552786 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prosthesis Implantation (adverse effects)
• Reoperation
• Treatment Outcome
• Ureter (surgery)
• Ureteral Obstruction (surgery)