Ureteral and Ureteroenteric Strictures

Abstract

Ureteral stricture disease management has changed with the introduction of minimally invasive treatment options such as ureteroscopy, laparoscopy, and robotics over the last 10–20 years. The advantages of decreased morbidity, pain, and convalescence time with minimally invasive surgery tempered with good results in the appropriate clinical scenario have led to a shift in treating this disease process ureteroscopically depending on the etiology. This chapter will focus on the ureteroscopic management (both retrograde and antegrade) of ureteral strictures, including ureteroenteric anastomotic and kidney transplant-related ureteral strictures. The techniques of surgery and the process of determining which patients are the right candidates for this treatment option will be discussed via an evidence-based approach. This will allow urologists to appropriately select candidates for ureteroscopy, provide them with the tools and technique for success, and allow counseling of patients regarding the risks, benefits, and alternatives taking into account success rates.