Transuretero-ureterostomy: a review of 253 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience of transuretero-ureterostomy (TUU), which can be a dangerous procedure if a problem arises with the anastomosis, because both upper urinary tracts are put at risk to deal with a problem that initially affected only one side.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: TUU was performed in 253 patients following undiversion, trauma or strictures of the distal ureter, with a Mitrofanoff-type of continent urinary diversion, or otherwise during reconstructive urological surgery, mainly in association with cystectomy and substitution cystoplasty. The patients were followed and complications or problems reviewed.

RESULTS: Five patients had problems with the distal ureter below the TUU and one had problems as a result of stone disease in the transposed ureter some distance proximal to the TUU, but there were no long-term complications as a direct result of the TUU.

CONCLUSIONS: Providing the anastomosis is stented until there is radiological evidence of healing of the TUU, then TUU is a safe and reliable procedure.