Ureteral crossover method: animal experiment for correction of reflux

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Veterinary Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition requiring surgical correction.
• Existing methods for VUR correction can have limitations.
• The ureteral crossover method offers a novel approach to submucosal tunnel creation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ureteral crossover method for correcting bilateral vesicoureteral reflux.
• To assess the impact of ureteral overlapping on ureteral physiology.
• To determine the surgical validity of this technique in a canine model.

Main Methods:

• The ureteral crossover method, involving submucosal ureteral overlapping and redirection of tunnels, was performed on 10 dogs.
• The technique focused on creating submucosal tunnels away from the bladder neck.
• Surgical success and ureteral integrity were assessed post-operation.

Main Results:

• The ureteral crossover procedure demonstrated a high success rate of 90% (18 of 20 ureters corrected).
• The method provided sufficient submucosal ureter length without compromising the original ureteral entrance.
• Ligation of new ureteral orifices was found to be straightforward within the operative field.

Conclusions:

• The ureteral crossover method is a surgically valid and effective technique for correcting bilateral vesicoureteral reflux.
• Ureteral overlapping, as employed in this method, does not adversely affect ureteral physiology.
• This approach offers advantages in terms of ureteral length preservation and surgical accessibility.