Endoscopic management of ureterointestinal strictures after radical cystectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the status of endoscopic treatment for ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures after radical cystectomy.


METHODS
We reviewed the English-language literature identified by PubMed and MEDLINE to evaluate the efficacy of various treatment options for these strictures.


RESULTS
Cumulative success rates from multiple studies analyzing patency after balloon dilation, endoureterotomy, and metal stenting specifically for ureteroenteric strictures were 18%, 63%, and 83%, respectively. Studies have not clearly shown any significant advantage over any specific cutting modality. The use of metal stents appears promising but is still fraught with complications of tissue ingrowth and recurrent obstruction. Clinical factors that appear to be associated with a poor prognosis are age >60 years, left-sided strictures, length >1 cm, stenting <4 weeks, and poor function in the affecting kidney.


CONCLUSIONS
Ureteroenteric strictures remain the most challenging and difficult of all ureteral strictures to treat. An evolution of technology has helped advance the therapeutic options available. Given the rarity of this condition, limited study designs, and small numbers of patients, conclusive statements regarding the optimal treatment for this condition are difficult. Given its patency rates and possible complications, endoureterotomy should be considered the initial treatment of choice in properly selected patients.
Kurzer
Eliecer
E
Division of Endourology and Laparoscopy, Department of Urology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
Leveillee
Raymond J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods; D015653:Cystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000379:methods; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*