Is endoscopic management suitable for long ureteral fibroepithelial polyps?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology

Background:

• Fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter are rare benign tumors.
• Traditional management involves open surgery, but endoscopic resection is preferred for small lesions.
• The optimal management for long ureteral polyps remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ureteroscopic management for long ureteral fibroepithelial polyps (>6 cm).
• To assess the use of holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser in resecting these lesions.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of five patients with long ureteral fibroepithelial polyps treated with ureteroscopic holmium: YAG laser resection.
• Data collected included patient demographics, lesion characteristics, procedural outcomes, and follow-up.

Main Results:

• Successful endoscopic management was achieved in all five patients.
• Mean polyp length was 11 cm (range 6-16 cm).
• No major complications occurred; one patient developed a ureteral stricture treated successfully with holmium: YAG laser. Mean follow-up was 24.2 months with no recurrences.

Conclusions:

• Ureteroscopic management with holmium: YAG laser is an acceptable and effective treatment for long ureteral fibroepithelial polyps.
• This approach offers minimal morbidity and durable results.
• The holmium: YAG laser facilitates safe and efficient polyp resection using small-caliber fibers and flexible ureteroscopes.