The use of an extended spiral bladder flap for treatment of upper ureteral loss

Abstract

Purpose: We demonstrated the effectiveness of an extended spiral bladder flap procedure for repair of upper ureteral injuries.

Materials and methods: Two patients with extensive ureteral loss underwent repair with a modified bladder flap based posterolaterally on the affected side, spiraled anteriorly and inferolaterally toward the contralateral bladder base, and then anastomosed directly to the renal pelvis.

Results: With this technique renal function was preserved in both patients without obstruction on followup radiographs.

Conclusions: Using this extended bladder flap technique a well vascularized urothelial repair can be achieved for upper ureteral injury in select patients.