Single-incision nephroureterectomy combined with transurethral incision of bladder cuff for renal pelvic tumor.

With the extended use of transurethral endoscopic surgery, we modified the conventional nephroureterectomy that usually requires either a very long incision or two separate shorter incisions. From August 1983 to October 1988, 13 cases of renal pelvic tumor in this hospital were treated single-incision nephroureterectomy combined with transurethral incision of the bladder cuff. The advantages of this technique were less surgical time and a decrease in postoperative wound pain. There were no significant complications or local recurrence noted in this series. The proposed indications were urothelial tumors in the renal pelvis and upper ureter without demonstrable metastases. Tumors of an uncertain cell type preoperatively are especially indicated. The details of this technique are described.