Laparoscopic Extravesical Submucosal Tunneling Ureteroneocystostomy Combined with Psoas Hitch for Medium-Length Distal Ureteral Defects in Adults

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the technique and feasibility of laparoscopic submucosal tunneling ureteroneocystostomy in combination with psoas hitch to restore urinary tract continuity in patients showing medium-length distal ureteral defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to April 2016, a total of 13 patients (4 males and 9 females) with a mean age of 37 years were performed with the laparoscopic operation of ureteral submucosal tunneling reimplantation combined with psoas hitch. The mean defective length was 5.5 cm (range 4-8 cm). The etiologies included ureteral strictures secondary to endoscopic laser lithotripsy in 2 patients, previous gynecological surgeries in 4, infiltrative ureteral endometriosis in 3, as well as ureteral strictures without obvious causes in the remaining 4. RESULTS: The operations were successfully performed in all patients. The mean operating time was 179 min (range 150-230 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 32 mL (range 15-80 mL). The mean drainage time was 5.8 days (range 4-8 days). No major complications occurred during the perioperative period. The mean follow-up time was 25 months. All patients experienced symptomatic relief and showed good urine drainage. CONCLUSION: Extravesical submucosal tunneling ureteroneocystostomy combined with psoas hitch under laparoscopy is a feasible and effective option for medium-length distal ureteral defects in selected patients.