Published Paper


Lower Pole Sparing Ureterocalicostomy: A Case Series

1 Dr. Sagar Chakraborty; 2 Dr. Partha Pratim Das; 3 Dr. Md. Dawood Khan; 4 Dr. Tapan Kumar Mandal
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Page: 103-111
Published on: 2025 December

Abstract

Introduction: Ureterocalicostomy is a uncommonly performed procedure with few indications. In 1947 Neuwirt reported the first ureterocalicostomy. The thinned lower pole hydronephrotic parenchyma was removed and the inferior renal calyx was connected to the ureter for efficient urinary drainage. However resection of the lower pole parenchyma leads to nephron loss as well as increases risk of hemorrhage. We present our cases series of ureterocalicostomy in which the anastomosis was carried out without resection of the lower pole and thus reducing the morbidity. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care centre in Eastern India. It included patients who underwent UC at the institute between January 2022 and January 2025. Review of the baseline demography, clinical features, radiological images, indications and type of surgery, complications and clinical outcomes was done from the department register. Preoperative workup included ultrasonography and diuretic scan with DTPA. All patient underwent open retroperitoneal UC. In all cases longitudinal 2-3cm nephrotomy was made in the medial aspect of the dependent lower pole, ureter was divided and spatulated and calyceal mucosa anastomosed with the spatulated ureter adjacent to the lower pole. Results: Eleven patients underwent open ureterocalicostomy. The age ranged from 7-60 years. Three patients had prior Anderson hynes pyeloplasty. APD declined significantly (p=0.008) and CT improved significantly (p=0.03) after surgery. The SRF and drainage however did not improve significantly. At a mean follow-up of 14.36 months all except one patient had complete symptoms relief and had an anatomically successful ureterocalicostomy. The overall success rate in our study was 90.90%. Conclusion: Lower pole sparing ureterocalicostomy offers good outcome, in patients with both primary and secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. It can be performed by open as well as minimally invasive route. UC is particularly helpful in improving drainage in kidneys with nondependent UPJ and small, intrarenal pelvis

 

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