Massive Dilation of the Ureter: An Endoscopic Management of Persistent Urinary Leak After Partial Nephrectomy

The incidence of urinary leakage is increased as nephron sparing surgery becomes more used for the management of small renal masses. We present an endourologic approach in a patient with a persistent urinary leak after partial nephrectomy by placing two synchronous ureteral stents to improve drainage and avoid further potential surgery. Patients and Method: A 39-year-old patient presented with a urine leak on the fifth postoperative day after an open partial nephrectomy. Initially, the leakage was managed with a placement of a 6F Double-J stent. However, due to persistence of leakage after a month, two ureteral stents (a 6F Double-J stent and a 14F endopyelotomy stent) were placed. With this maneuver, the ureter was dilated to 20F and a bladder catheter was placed to complete the drainage. Results: At 3 weeks, a CT urography was performed, which showed complete resolution of the urinary leakage compared with previous examination. The stents were removed the following day and the patient required no further intervention. The follow-up examination was continued for 24 months without any symptom of the patient and any sign of leak recurrence. Conclusion: Endoscopic approach to urinary leak after partial nephrectomy obtaining high ureteral gauge can be a good alternative, avoiding more aggressive surgical approaches.