Limited information is available regarding complications associated with kidney-sparing ureteroscopic management of low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). To identify the associated complications rates and contributing factors, we examined data from relevant clinical studies. Thirty-eight publications (7 prospective, 31 retrospective; >1100 total patients) were identified. Ureteral stricture was the most frequent complication (studies; rates) (26/38; 0-27%), with incidence associated with number of procedures and treatment method. Bleeding, infection, and fever were most common with adjuvant treatment (BCG or mitomycin). Serious and fatal complications were rare. These results support the safety of ureteroscopic management of UTUC in appropriately selected patients.
Urology. 2020 Oct 05 [Epub ahead of print]
Jennifer Linehan, Mark Schoenberg, Elyse Seltzer, Kim Thacker, Angela B Smith
Department of Urology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Providence St. John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA. Electronic address: ., Department of Urology, The Montefiore Medical Center & The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; UroGen Pharma, New York, NY. Electronic address: ., UroGen Pharma, New York, NY. Electronic address: ., UroGen Pharma, New York, NY. Electronic address: ., Department of Urology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. Electronic address: .