Posteriorly Augmented Anastomotic Ureteroplasty with Lingual Mucosal Onlay Grafts for Long Proximal Ureteral Strictures: 10 Cases of Experience

Objective: To share the technique of posteriorly augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal onlay grafts for long proximal ureteral strictures as well as our initial experience with the technique. Methods: From October 2018 to September 2019, 10 cases of robotic and laparoscopic posteriorly augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal onlay grafts for long proximal ureteral strictures were recruited from our database of Reconstruction of Urinary Tract: Technology, Epidemiology and Result (RECUTTER). The perioperative and follow-up data were recorded. Complete success was defined as the absence of clinical symptoms, relieved stenosis on imaging, and a stable estimated glomerular filtration rate without serious complications. Results: All surgeries were completed without serious complications. There were eight laparoscopic surgeries and two robotic surgeries. The median length of defect after posteriorly augmented anastomosis was 3 cm (range, 3-5 cm). The median length of the lingual mucosa graft was 4 cm (range, 3-5 cm). The median operative time was 237 minutes (range, 189-310 minutes). The median estimated blood loss was 40 mL (range, 10-100 mL). The median postoperative length of stay was 7.5 days (range, 5-22 days). The Double-J stent was removed median 3.5 months (range, 2-7 months) after the surgery. At the median follow-up of 11 months (range, 7-20 months), all patients achieved the successful criteria of treatment. Conclusion: The posteriorly augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal onlay grafts for long proximal ureteral strictures is a feasible and safe technique, which may be an option especially for strictures marginally longer than those that can be safely repaired via end-to-end anastomosis.