Percutaneous extra-anatomic nephrovesical diversion: preliminary report.

We propose a new approach to total ureteric replacement based on the use of a new spiraled composite tube. This tube is inserted percutaneously into the renal pelvis, then tracked subcutaneously and introduced into the bladder via a short incision. The tube is maintained in place by anchoring its spirals along the subcutaneous tract, and only the two silicone extremities are in continuous contact with the urine. We have used this technique for total replacement of the ureter in one renal transplant patient with a follow-up of 8 months and no complication. A longer follow-up is obviously necessary, but this new, minimally invasive approach, using a newly designed tube, would appear to give a new lease of life to an old, abandoned principle.