Ureteral endometriosis: clinical and radiological follow-up after laparoscopic ureterocystoneostomy.
BACKGROUND
Ureteral endometriosis is a rare entity that may lead to progressive hydroureteronephrosis and renal loss. When the localization of ureteral stenosis is close to the ureterovesical junction, ureterocystoneostomy may be required. The aim of the present study was to evaluate post-operative complication rates and clinical outcomes at 1- and 6-month follow-up after laparoscopic ureterocystoneostomy.


METHODS
Twenty patients who underwent ureterocystoneostomy for pelvic endometriosis in our tertiary referral centre for endoscopic surgery during 1 year were studied. A cystography was performed on Day 7 after surgery to verify the integrity of anastomosis and a satisfactory bladder capacity. Follow-up consisted of gynaecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound at 1 and 6 months after surgery. At 6 months, urography and cystography were also performed. Measurements included results of a pre-operative clinical and instrumental assessment, intra- and post-operative complications, post-operative bladder capacity at cystography and improvement of pain, using a visual analogue scale for the main symptoms related to endometriosis and uro-specific pain.


RESULTS
Neither a case of ureteral fistula nor other complications requiring re-intervention were reported. Post-operative transient deficit of bladder voiding occurred in five cases (25%), urinary infection in one and post-operative pyrexia in four (20%) patients. The median time to resuming voiding function was 3 days (range 1-20 days). In six cases, a mild vesico-ureteral reflux at the operated side was observed at 7-day cystography. Post-operative symptomatology was improved significantly (P<0.05) for all symptoms. Urography and cystography performed at 6 months confirmed good post-operative reconstructions in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The objective of surgical treatment of ureteral endometriosis is to remove the stenotic tract and to preserve renal function. In cases of intrinsic ureteral endometriosis, the procedure of laparoscopic ureterocystoneostomy is feasible and has good outcomes at short- and medium-term follow-up.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Sacro Cuore, Negrar (Verona), Italy. annastep@infinito.it
Anna
A
Stepniewska
Gaetano
G
Grosso
Angelo
A
Molon
Giuseppe
G
Caleffi
Elena
E
Perin
Marco
M
Scioscia
Paride
P
Mainardi
Luca
L
Minelli
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014515:Ureteral Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014567:Urography