Ileal ureteric replacement with an ileo-psoas muscle tunnel antirefluxing technique for the treatment of long segment ureteric strictures.

Objectives: To develop and report our initial experience with a novel antirefluxing technique for segmental ileal ureteric replacement for the treatment of long ureteric strictures.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2000 and January 2007, 12 cases of ureteric strictures (nine bilateral and three unilateral) were treated using a novel surgical technique in which the ureter was replaced with a segment of ileum using an end-to-side anastomosis. An antireflux valve was constructed by fixing the distal part of upper ureter (4 cm) between the psoas muscle and ileal segment (the ileo-psoas tunnel technique). The distal ileum was connected to the urinary bladder with an end-to-side anastomosis.

Results: The 12 cases were followed-up for a mean (range) of 39.42 (12-64) months. There were no cases of pyelonephritis or signs of renal failure after surgery. There was dramatic improvement in hydronephrosis, as assessed by intravenous urography, in the 4-9 months after surgery. Cystography showed no evidence of ileo-ureteric reflux. Mild hyperchloraemic acidosis was detected in two patients and was successfully treated with oral alkalization.

Conclusions: In our initial experience, ileal ureteric replacement combined with the ileo-psoas tunnel antirefluxing technique is a highly effective procedure for the treatment of ureteric strictures.