Ureteroureterostomy as Definitive Intervention for Duplex Anomalies: A Mid-Term Analysis

Sahar Eftekharzadeh1, Aznive Aghababian2, Suhaib Abdulfattah2

  • 1Department of Urology, Jefferson Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; Division of Urology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.

Urology
|May 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (UU) and open UU are safe and effective for treating duplicated collecting systems in children. Mid-term follow-up shows good outcomes, with constipation being a predictor of febrile urinary tract infections (f-UTI).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Urologic Reconstruction

Background:

  • Duplicated collecting systems are a common congenital anomaly in children.
  • Ureteroureterostomy (UU) is a surgical procedure to correct these anomalies, often indicated for obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
  • Evaluating the mid-term outcomes of different surgical approaches is crucial for optimal patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a mid-term evaluation (3-10 years post-op) of children with duplicated collecting systems treated with ureteroureterostomy (UU).
  • To compare outcomes between robot-assisted laparoscopic UU and open UU surgical approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of a single-institutional registry of patients undergoing UU for duplex renal anomalies (2014-2020).
  • Inclusion criteria: minimum 3-year follow-up with available post-operative imaging.
  • Data collected: febrile urinary tract infection (f-UTI), flank pain, renal function, imaging findings, and need for re-operation.

Main Results:

  • 42 patients met inclusion criteria (36 robot-assisted laparoscopic UU, 6 open UU).
  • No significant difference in procedure length between groups; open UU cohort was younger.
  • Constipation was the only predictor of f-UTI (OR: 6.6). 98% showed stable or improved dilation; 7% developed de novo hydronephrosis, all asymptomatic.

Conclusions:

  • Robot-assisted laparoscopic UU and open UU are safe and effective for managing duplicated collecting systems with obstruction or VUR.
  • Mid-term outcomes are favorable for both surgical approaches.
  • Yo-yo reflux is rarely diagnosed and clinically insignificant.
Abstract