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.

A prospective randomized single-blind comparison of ureteral stents composed of firm and soft polymer.

PURPOSE: Ureteral stents are composed of different polymers and it is unclear if stent composition influences patient comfort. We compared the impact of stents composed of firm and soft polymer on patient health related quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 130 patients requiring insertion of ureteral stents during the treatment of urinary calculi were randomized to receive a stent composed of firm (Percuflex, group 1) or soft (Contour, group 2) polymer. Patients were asked to complete the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire, a validated instrument, at weeks 1 and 4 with the stent in situ and 4 weeks after its removal, this served as the main outcome measure. Additional assessments included difficulty in stent insertion and the need for early stent removal. RESULTS: There were 78 men and 38 women in total (61 in group 1 and 55 in group 2) with a mean age of 51 years (range 22 to 79) and no difference in age between the 2 groups (p = 0.9). Comparison of the results of the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire survey at weeks 1 and 4 with stent in situ revealed no significant differences in the domain scores of urinary symptoms (p = 0.9 and p = 0.8), pain (p = 0.8 and p = 0.6) and general health (p = 0.6 and p = 0.4). Similarly, there were no differences in the number of days with reduced activities, work performance (p = 0.7) and sexual dysfunction between the 2 groups. A similar number of patients (8 and 7 in groups 1 and 2, respectively) required stent removal earlier than planned due to stent related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized study showed no difference in the impact on patient quality of life between ureteral stents composed of firm or soft polymer.

Vasography in urethral stricture: novel application of an old technique.

Urethral stricture disease in men has traditionally been investigated with ascending and voiding cystourethrography as well as urethroscopy. The main emphasis during the preoperative assessment is on establishing the exact extent of the disease process in order to plan appropriate management. We describe a technique that represents a novel approach to the assessment of proximal urethral stricture and in selected cases would be of immense help in defining its precise nature and planning definitive treatment.

The management of ureteric obstruction secondary to malignant pelvic disease.

AIM: Management of upper-tract obstruction secondary to a malignant pelvic process is a difficult problem and is best dealt with by a multi-disciplinary team. In the present audit, we address the question: is staged antegrade stenting better than retrograde ureteric stenting? MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed our present management of upper-tract obstruction secondary to malignant pelvic disease in 65 patients treated over a period of 2 years. Fifty-eight patients had urological cancer and seven patients had non-urological cancers; 70% of all cases had renal impairment. Twenty-four of 65 patients had an attempt at endoscopic retrograde ureteric stenting as a primary method of decompression while percutaneous nephrostomy followed by antegrade ureteric stenting was performed in 41/65 patients. RESULTS: Endoscopic retrograde stenting had a success rate of 21% whereas two-stage antegrade stenting was successful in 98% of patients. The antegrade approach had minimal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Obstruction of the pelvic ureter secondary to any pelvic malignancy is best managed by two-stage antegrade ureteric stenting. This approach has a high success rate with minimal morbidity, and should be preferred to an endoscopic approach. This highlights the important role of an interventional uroradiologist in the management of these patients.

Haemoperitoneum secondary to ureteric stenting.

We report an unusual but catastrophic complication of 'haemo peritoneum' noted following an uneventual insertion of ureteric stent. Its management was primarily affected by the presence of a significant coexisting pathology. This case highlights two important points: (1) recognizing the most rare but real possibility of major intra peritoneal haemorrhage following simple stenting of the ureter (2) the importance of checking that the guide wire has been correctly preloaded in the spool before its placement up the ureter as inserting the wrong (nonfloppy) end may have serious implications.

Ureteric stenting for repair of accidental ureteric injuries.

Intra-operative injury to the ureter is a well known but fortunately uncommon complication of any major pelvic surgical procedure. If recognised on table, it can be repaired by either a substitution ureteroplasty or end-to-end anatomical repair depending upon the extent of tissue loss. Either of these anastomoses could be secured by total internal stent placement. We describe an improvised technique of intra-operative open ureteric stenting particularly when radiological assistance is not available, i.e. during emergency situations.

Surgical technique for the conservative management of distal urethral melanoma.

Urethral melanoma is very rare and pathological diagnosis is important. The prognosis remains poor irrespective of the treatment modality. Rare cases of long-term survival have been reported, one of them following conservative management. An initial attempt at conservative resection is worth considering to offer a better quality of life to the patient for as long as possible. We describe a technique of organ-sparing resection in the management of urethral melanoma along with the follow-up protocol that we adapted.

Urethral stricture associated with malacoplakia: a case report and review of the literature.

A 68-year-old man presented with obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and microscopic hematuria. Cystourethroscopy showed a circumferential stricture in the bulbar urethra that bled easily on contact. Biopsy revealed malacoplakia. There was also focal nonspecific cystitis. The patient improved symptomatically, but the microscopic hematuria persisted. Follow-up biopsies showed persistent urethral malacoplakia and stricture. Malacoplakia of the male urethra is exceptionally rare, this being the second reported case.