Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: Analysis of distal ureterectomy technique, margin status, and surgical outcomes

The results of our study have shown that distal ureteral tumors have the greatest likelihood for a positive margin. Cystoscopic ureteral disarticulation increased the operative time and estimated blood loss. Cystotomy closure reduced the extravasation rate. We favor hand-assisted laparoscopic en bloc distal ureterectomy followed by cystotomy closure to minimize the risk of distal ureteral or extravesical recurrence.