Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term results of endovascular stent graft placement for ureteroarterial fistula (UAF).
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed stent graft placement for UAF performed at our institution from 2004 to 2012. Fistula location was assessed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and angiography, and freedom from hematuria recurrence and mortality rates were estimated.
Results: Stent graft placement for 11 UAFs was performed (4 men, mean age 72.8 ± 11.6 years). Some risk factors were present, including long-term ureteral stenting in 10 (91%), pelvic surgery in 8 (73%), and pelvic radiation in 5 (45%). Contrast-enhanced CT and/or angiography revealed fistula or encasement of the artery in 6 cases (55%). In the remaining 5 (45%), angiography revealed no abnormality, and the suspected fistula site was at the crossing area between urinary tract and artery. All procedures were successful. However, one patient died of urosepsis 37 days after the procedure. At a mean follow-up of 548 (range 35-1,386) days, 4 patients (36%) had recurrent hematuria, and two of them underwent additional treatment with secondary stent graft placement and surgical reconstruction. The hematuria recurrence-free rates at 1 and 2 years were 76.2 and 40.6%, respectively. The freedom from UAF-related and overall mortality rates at 2 years were 85.7 and 54.9%, respectively.
Conclusion: Endovascular stent graft placement for UAF is a safe and effective method to manage acute events. However, the hematuria recurrence rate remains high. A further study of long-term results in larger number of patients is necessary.