A Modified Transurethral Stenting Technique for (Robot-Assisted) Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation

BACKGROUND: Ureteral stenting is a technique-demanding procedure performed during robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR). Many stenting techniques have been reported; however, none of them could be accepted as an ideal way. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to report our initial results of a modified stenting technique for RALUR. METHODS: Consecutive 4 patients undergoing RALUR were prospectively enrolled into our study. Our ureteral stenting technique included the following steps: catheterize a head-cut Foley catheter at the beginning of the operation, drag out the Foley catheter from the ureterovesical stoma after finishing posterior anatomosis, insert a guide wire through the catheter to the ureter lumen, and place the double-J (DJ) stent over the guide wire with a pusher. RESULTS: All surgeries were successfully performed without severe complications. The mean stenting time was 1.6 min. No submucosa pseudocanal was found during stenting. DJ stent was removed 4 weeks after surgery. During the 3-month follow-up, it was observed that no vesicoureteral reflux or ureter stricture was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our ureteral stenting technique is an effective, simple, and safe procedure in RALUR, and could also be performed in laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation.