Multiple intravesical linear staples identified during surveillance cystoscopy after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.
Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy has faced technical criticism secondary to the unknown effects of urine-exposed intravesical or intraureteral staples. Although not reported, staples exposed to urine theoretically create a nidus for encrustation and stone formation. We present a case of a 66-year-old man after left laparoscopic ureterectomy for ureteral malignancy. Surveillance cystoscopy at 6 months revealed a nearly complete intravesical titanium staple line without encrustation. Successful transurethral removal of all staples with standard cystoscopic graspers revealed no immediate, or delayed, sequelae.
Baughman
Steven M
SM
Urology Flight, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas 78236-5300, USA.
Sexton
Wade
W
Bishoff
Jay T
JT
D000368:Aged; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D013537:Sutures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014025:Titanium / Q000009:adverse effects; D014516:Ureteral Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*
D014025:Titanium