Delayed proximal ureteric stricture formation after complex partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE To report and review our incidence of delayed ureteric stricture (US) after complex nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS Using our institutional kidney cancer database, we identified 720 patients who underwent NSS from 1 January 2000 until 31 December 2010 and identified eleven (1.5%) patients with a delayed US. Patient and tumour characteristics were reviewed. RESULTS Median (range) tumour size and RENAL nephrometry score was 4.1 (2-7.2) cm and 10p (4-11p), respectively. There were eight of 10 solitary tumours (80%) located in the lower or mid-pole of the kidney. There were eight of 11 patients with delayed US (72.7%) who experienced a postoperative urinary leak. There were two of 11 (18.2%) patients who experienced a postoperative retroperitoneal haemorrhage, with one of these patients requiring selective embolization. All US were in the upper third of the ureter and were diagnosed at a minimum of 10 weeks postoperatively (median 154 days, range 70-400 days). CONCLUSIONS US formation is an uncommon and under-reported event after complex NSS. Risk factors appear to include tumour complexity, imperative indications, mid- or lower pole location, postoperative urinary leak and haemorrhage. Although uncommon, postoperative US can occur after NSS for complex renal masses, necessitating patient counselling and diligent postoperative surveillance.