Pyeloscopy in urothelial tumors

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology

Background:

• Indeterminate pelvic and caliceal filling defects require accurate diagnosis.
• Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a significant urinary tract malignancy.

Observation:

• Intraoperative pyeloscopy was utilized in 18 patients with indeterminate filling defects.
• These defects were subsequently diagnosed as TCC.

Findings:

• Two patients experienced local tumor recurrence in the renal fossa after nephroureterectomy.
• Intraoperative pyeloscopy is associated with considerable risks.

Implications:

• The risk of transitional cell carcinoma seeding during pyeloscopy is a critical concern.
• This suggests careful consideration of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for renal filling defects.