[Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation surgery according to Lich-Gregoir]

Terminal ureteral stenosis can occur as a consequence of gynecological diseases or surgical treatment of simple or radical hysterectomy and pelvic endometriosis.

We evaluated 5 patients aged between 30 and 52 years, who underwent ureterocystoneostomy for ureteral stenosis due to several factors: 2 cases of pelvic endometriosis; 2 cases of surgery treatment of pelvic endometriosis, and 1 case of simple hysterectomy. Patients were placed supine in Trendelemburg position of about 30°. After pneumoperitoneum induction, the following equipment was introduced through four different laparoscopic accesses: the optic tool into the umbilicus access, 5-mm operative accesses on the lesion side, and one of 10-11 mm in the contralateral site. Once we incised the peritoneum and isolated the distal ureter until the stenotic tract, we proceeded with the dissection, performing a 2 cm serum-muscle incision of the bladder, showing the mucosa after previous distension with 200 mL of saline. A little operculum in the mucosa was created by a spatula. After applying a DJ ureteral catheter with the distal end introduced into the bladder, the direct ureteral-vesical anastomosis was made. The application of serum-detrusor sutures next to the ureter created the antireflux barrier. The peritoneum was closed.

Surgery was performed by laparoscopy without conversion into open surgery. Average performing time was 205 min. Clinical stay was 5 days and DJ ureteral catheter was removed after 3 weeks following cystography and absence of spillage around the bladder. The ultrasound controls performed after three and six months did not show any complication.

Laparoscopy is a valid alternative to open surgery, also yielding better esthetic results, particularly in cases where the classical approach is difficult to perform, as for example in obese patients.