Transureteroureterostomy as an adjunctive antireflux procedure in children undergoing bladder augmentation for neurogenic bladder with major reflux

• Published in: Journal of pediatric urology 2020-04, Vol.16 (2), p.190.e1-190.e6
• Main Authors: Jacob, Tarun John K., James Sam, Cenita, Jacob Kurian, Jujju, Karl, Immanuel Sampath, Kisku, Sundeep M.C., Sen, Sudipta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bladder augmentation (BA); Neurogenic bladder; Transureteroureterostomy (TUU)
• ISSN: 1477-5131; 1873-4898
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.12.006

Transureteroureterostomy (TUU) provides urinary drainage of both renal systems to the bladder via a single ureter and is useful in selected situations of complex urological reconstructions. Herein we discuss its use, advantages and complications in children with neurogenic bladders and high-grade (4/5) reflux who have undergone augmentation cystoplasty. Children with neurogenic bladder complicated by unilateral or bilateral high-grade vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), who underwent TUU along with augmentation cystoplasty (BA), were selected from two institutions. Eighteen children with an average age of 5 years at presentation were identified from a retrospective chart review. All had bilateral hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) of which there were 30 refluxing megaureters. While BA reduced bladder pressure, VUR was managed by refluxing to non-refluxing TUU in six cases with unilateral VUR and unilateral reimplantation with TUU to the reimplanted ureter in 12 cases of bilateral VUR, thus minimizing reimplantation to 12 of 30 ureters. The average time of follow-up was 51 months. Follow-up cystograms showed complete resolution of VUR in all. HUN improved/stabilized in all but one child. Serum creatinine remained normal in all but two cases. Other advantages of TUU include the use of the distal ureter as a catheterizable channel and ease of undiversion when the ureter has been diverted as a ureterostomy. An unusual complication of a TUU site stricture is discussed and the innovative technique of using a cecal patch to salvage the anastomosis is detailed. We conclude that a TUU is a safe and useful adjunctive procedure in children undergoing BA for neurogenic bladder with high-grade VUR, minimizing the need for ureteric reimplant in an unhealthy bladder. [Display omitted]