Long-term followup of endoscopic incision of ureteroceles: Intravesical versus extravesical

Purpose: Endoscopic incision was performed as the initial therapy for ureteroceles in children presenting to our institutions between 1985 and 1990. To assess the long-term efficacy of this treatment modality we reevaluated the outcome of these patients. Materials and Methods: Parameters reviewed included patient age at surgery, position of the ureterocele, a duplex system, preoperative and postoperative reflux, and the need for additional operations. Statistical analysis consisted of chi-square and Wilcoxon's rank sum tests. Results: Of the patients 22 had intravesical and 22 had extravesical ureteroceles. Average age at initial surgery was 1.9 +/-: 3.7 years with average followup of 7.2 +/- 3.1 years. A second operation was required in 18 cases (41%), which was significantly more likely for an extravesical ureterocele (18% versus 64%, p = 0.002), a duplex system (p = 0.026) or preoperative reflux (p = 0.02). Second operations included reimplantation in 13 cases, upper pole partial nephrectomy in 7, total nephroureterectomy in 3, bladder neck reconstruction in 3 and lower pole pyeloplasty in 3. The only secondary operations performed for intravesical ureteroceles were reimplantation in 3 cases and upper pole nephrectomy in 1. New onset reflux developed in 14 of 27 patients (52%) postoperatively, including 7 with intravesical and 7 with extravesical ureteroceles. None required a second open operation. Conclusions: With extended followup the percentage of patients requiring open surgery after endoscopic incision of ureteroceles increased from our original report of 27% to 41% (p = 0.166). Only 18% of cases with an intravesical ureterocele required a subsequent operation compared to 64% with an extravesical ureterocele (p 0.002). The reduction in size of the obstructed ureter following endoscopic decompression facilitated successful reimplantation. Endoscopic puncture permits definitive treatment in the majority of children by at most a single incision, open operation at the bladder level.