Hyderabad: The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), renowned for handling complex urological conditions, recently performed a reconstructive procedure using tissue from inside the mouth, known as buccal mucosa, to repair the ureter of a 38-year-old male patient from Nepal.
The procedure demonstrates the hospital’s continued focus on minimally invasive and regenerative surgical approaches for patients with serious urological problems.
The ureters are narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, and any damage to them makes reconstruction highly complex. The patient had a history of kidney issues since childhood, which had left one kidney severely shrunken.
For years, he lived with a single functioning kidney. A few months ago, he developed stones in the upper ureter of this kidney and underwent laser treatment in Nepal. Unfortunately, the procedure damaged his ureter, narrowing it further and causing severe difficulty with urination. He was subsequently referred to AINU for further management.
After thorough evaluation, the surgical team decided to use buccal mucosa tissue from inside the patient’s mouth to reconstruct the ureter. This tissue is thin, durable, and adapts well to urinary tract conditions. The surgeons grafted it onto the damaged section of the ureter, where it adhered around the edges, effectively restoring normal urinary flow.
Buccal mucosa has been traditionally used for urethral reconstruction, but its application in ureter repair requires advanced precision. AINU performed the surgery using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques, avoiding open surgery and allowing faster recovery.
Dr. C. Mallikarjuna, Managing Director and Chief Consultant Urologist at AINU, explained that ureter reconstruction is far more challenging than urethral repair due to the narrower size of the ureter. He emphasized the role of modern technology, including lasers and robotic assistance, which enable precise and safe surgical interventions.
With careful grafting of buccal mucosa, surgeons can restore ureter function while reducing the risk of complications, ensuring proper urine flow, and improving the patient’s quality of life.
This case underscores the hospital’s expertise in complex urological surgeries and its commitment to using advanced, patient-friendly techniques to treat challenging conditions. The successful procedure provides a practical solution for patients with ureter damage who require delicate and precise reconstructive care.