Reimplantation of the ureter in prostatic carcinoma associated with bilateral ureteric obstruction

Bilateral ureteric obstruction from prostatic carcinoma is not uncommon. A number of techniques for urinary diversion have been used in selected patients when uraemia develops. Reimplantation of the ureter(s) as an alternative to urinary diversion has been carried out in 21 patients over a 7-year period. In 6 of these patients bilateral reimplantation was done. In another 6 patients reimplantation of the ureter was not possible and cutaneous ureterostomy was carried out. The overall survival time was 10.6 months. In 13 patients living more than 6 months post-operatively, survival time was 1.8 years. Most patients had severe uraemia and advanced (clinical stage III or IV) prostatic carcinoma. The immediate management of these patients is outlined and the importance should be considered is stress. It is concluded that, whenever possible, ureteric reimplantation should be considered for relieving ureteric obstruction in patients selected for active treatment.