A clinical study of surgical management of benign ureteric stricture

Background: Although incidence of ureteric stricture, in general population, is not known, proper evaluation of and treatment is essential to preserve the renal function and rule out malignancy. Strictures of the upper urinary tract are either congenital or acquired. With the exception of primary UPJ obstruction, most ureteral strictures are acquired and usually are iatrogenic. Before the development of endourological instruments and techniques, ureteral strictures were managed by open repair. The management of ureteric stricture has changed dramatically over the last decade in conjunction with new developments in endourology. Material and methods: This bi-directional study was performed on 30 patients, diagnosed as a benign ureteric stricture by various modalities of diagnosis, which underwent open or laparoscopy surgical procedures. Data, with respect to patient’s demographic information, etiology, mode of presentation, stricture location and length, diagnostic modalities, operative procedures and their follow-up were recorded, analyzed and plotted on master chart. Various surgical treatment modalities are used according to length and location of strictures like: Upper and mid-ureteric stricture: Ureteroureterostomy 2-3 cm, Uretero calycostomy/ pyeloureterostomy for long upper ureteric stricture, 4-5 cm with intra renal or scarred pelvis, Buccal mucosal graft ureteroplasty. Lower ureter: Ureteroneocystostomy 4-5 cm, Psoas hitch 6-10 cm, Boari flap 12-15 cm, Ileal ureter replacement for long segment defect > 10-15 cm, in every patient, we keep closed drainage system. Usually, drain was removed after 72 hours. We were keeping double j stent in every patient, which were removed after 1 month. Follow up the patient after 21 days of double j stent removal and thereafter 6 monthly for 2 years, then every yearly for 5 years. Results: Among 30 patients, main causes are genitourinary TB 8 (26.66%), Iatrogenic 8 (26.66%). 46% strictures involve, lower ureter with length >3-5 cm, which correlates with characteristics of tuberculosis, involving multiple sites and long segment of ureter, 54% stricture involving upper ureter are < 3-5 cm which correlates with iatrogenic and impacted ureteric calculus related strictures. Among 30 patients, with 33 renal units 2 patient’s surgery failed, among which one required nephrectomy, and another required redo surgery, one patient who lost follow up was also considered as a failure. Conclusion: In era of endourology and minimal invasive surgery, open reconstructive surgery has its own place.