Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation for the Management of Long-segment Ureteral Defect in Gynecologic Surgeries

To demonstrate techniques of laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction for long-segment ureteral defects in gynecologic surgeries.

Step-by-step demonstration of a laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation using the Boari flap and ileal interposition.

Gynecologic diseases often involve the ureter; hence, knowledge of ureteral reconstruction techniques is imperative in gynecologic surgeries. The important aspect of ureteral reconstruction is to ensure tension-free anastomosis; therefore, various methods are required depending on the length of the ureteral defect [1]. The Boari flap and ileal interposition are preferred for repairing 8-cm to 12-cm and >12-cm ureteral defects, respectively. These methods have traditionally required large incisions [2,3]. Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation using the Boari flap and ileal interposition has been reported to be as safe as the open technique and superior in terms of postoperative recovery in urologic surgeries [3,4]; however, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been reported in the field of gynecology. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the techniques of laparoscopic Boari flap and ileal ureter replacement in gynecologic surgeries. The technique was approved by our institutional review board.

The first case involved an intra-abdominal desmoid tumor, whereas the second case involved recurrent endometrial cancer. In both cases, long-segment ureteral resection was required to achieve complete tumor clearance. Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation was performed successfully, without any complications, using the Boari flap in the first case and ileal interposition in the second.

Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation is technically feasible for the management of long-segment ureteral defects.