Endoscopic treatment of ureterovesical junction obstructive pathology: A description of the oblique meatotomy technique and results

Abstract

Background: Benign obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction includes congenital and acquired illnesses. The objective of this study was to describe the endoscopic oblique meatotomy technique using scissors and cold cutting to treat benign obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction.Methods: From 2007 to 2012, we treated 18 patients with obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction (5 megaureters [3 with lithiasis], 4 iatrogenic stenoses, and 9 ureteroceles with lithiasis). In all cases, oblique meatotomy was performed using endoscopic scissors through an 8.5 Ch ureteroscope. The mean follow-up for all patients was 3 years. Pain, grade of hydronephrosis, and occurrence of vesicoureteral reflux were evaluated before and after treatment.Results: The mean endoscopic treatment time was 13.4 minutes. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis with 6 hours of hospital admission, and a double J stent was inserted for 6 weeks. We achieved treatment success in 94.5% of patients after 3 years of follow-up. Only 1 patient presented with vesicoureteral reflux at 12 months after treatment; however, this condition did not require further treatment. Overall, 100% of patients remained free from lithiasis. There are 2 main limitations: the small number of patients and the lack of another group to compare the results of this technique; however, the aim of this work was to communicate a new technique to treat ureterovesical junction stricture.Interpretation: Oblique ureteral meatotomy is a safe and effective treatment for benign obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction and has a low index of complications.