Modified Laparoscopic Partial Ureterectomy for Adult Ureteral Fibroepithelial Polyp: Technique and Initial Experience

To present our modified laparoscopic partial ureterectomy technique for adult ureteral fibroepithelial polyp (FEP) and initial experience.

Between August 2009 and October 2017, 22 patients with ureteral FEP underwent modified laparoscopic partial ureterectomy by an experienced surgeon. In our method, a stay suture passing through the upper ureter was fixed to the abdominal wall to keep the ureter from twisting. The ureter was not completely dismembered until the first stitch, which was placed between the lowest points of the upper ureter and lower ureter end faces, was finished. Besides, we used a 3-step method to locate the polyp. Surgical success was defined as improved hydronephrosis and alleviated symptoms.

The mean operative time was 152.18 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 22.73 mL. One patient complained of urinary tract infection postoperatively. The mean times to remove the drainage tube and catheter were 2.64 and 3.73 days respectively. The double-J tube was removed at 1-3 months after surgery. At a mean follow-up of 47.04 months, no patient experienced disease recurrence, and the operative success rate was 100%.

Modified laparoscopic partial ureterectomy, with a high success rate, could be considered a safe and efficient treatment option for ureteral FEP.