Long term outcomes in the use of ileal ureter for radiation-induced ureteral strictures

Purpose Radiation-induced ureteral stricture disease poses significant surgical challenges. Ureteral substitution with ileum has long been a versatile option for reconstruction. We evaluated outcomes in patients undergoing ileal ureter replacement for ureteral reconstruction due to radiation-induced ureteral stricture versus other causes. Methods Between July 1989 and June 2013, 155 patients underwent consecutive ileal ureter creation. The study cohort included 104 patients with complete data sets and at least 7 months of follow up. Records were retrospectively reviewed with regard to demographics, indications, complications, and renal deterioration. Results Surgical indications included radiation-induced stricture in 23 (22%) and non-radiation-induced stricture in 81 (78%). Comparing ileal ureter substitution due to radiation versus other stricture etiologies, no statistical significance was observed in regard to age (45.6 vs. 51.2, p = 0.141), hospital length of stay in days (8.8 vs. 7.7, p = 0.216), percent GFR loss (MDRD-4 vs. -5%, p = 0.670 and CKD-EPI-7 vs. -6%, p = 0.914), 30-day surgical complications (26.1 vs. 30.1%, p = 0.658), metabolic acidosis (8.7 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.059), and renal failure requiring dialysis (4.3 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.337). Fistula formation (13.0 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.095), partial small bowel obstructions (21.7 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.063), and small bowel obstructions requiring reoperation (13.0 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.033) approached or reached statistical significance. Using Kaplan–Meier methodology, there was no difference in time to worsening renal outcome between the radiation and non-radiation groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Ureteral substitution with ileum is an effective reconstructive option for radiation-induced ureteral strictures in carefully selected patients.