[A ureteral endoscopic approach--a minimally invasive method complementary to nephroureterectomy]

Nephroureterectomy with ureteral stump excision and perimeatal cystectomy is the "golden standard surgical approach" for urothelial upper urinary tract cancer. Nephroureterectomy is also necessary in renoureteral tuberculosis, with compromised renal unit. Since June 1995 we performed the endoscopic distal ureteral approach in 11 cases (9 cases with upper urinary tract cancer and 2 cases with renal tuberculosis and concomitant ureteral distal lesions). In 7 cases we performed ureteral stripping after nephrectomy and in 4 cases we performed endoscopic disconnection of the intramural ureter followed by nephroureterectomy (in one operative step). Ureteral stripping was realized in two ways: perimeatal resection of the ureter and 12 o'clock incision. There was only one intraoperative complication which consisted in the dislodgement of the ureteral catheter who needs conversion to open surgery. Mean follow-up period was 12 months (range 2 to 28). The evolution of the patients was satisfactory, with significant reduction of the hospitalization. According to our experience the endoscopic distal ureteral approach is a safer complementary proceeding to the one step nephroureterectomy, being performed faster and easier than open ureterectomy.