Ureteral stricture developing after partial nephrectomy with a microwave tissue coagulator: Case report

A 32-year-old man with a 1.7-cm tumor in the left kidney underwent laparoscopy-assisted partial nephrectomy. Although his postoperative course was uneventful, a 6-month postoperative CT scan showed hydronephrosis secondary to a severe stricture at the ureteropelvic junction. Heat injury to the urinary tract was strongly suspected. The use of microwave tissue coagulator for the tumor close to the renal sinus and excessive coagulation should be avoided to prevent heat-related complications.