Appendix interposition for total left ureteral reconstruction

Introduction: Appendix interposition has been described as an option for surgical reconstruction of partial and total ureteral defects both in children and adults. However, to our knowledge, appendix interposition for a total left ureteral reconstruction has never been described. Case report: We report the first case of total left ureteral reconstruction with cecal appendix to connect the renal pelvis of a native kidney to the urinary bladder in a 3-month-old child with ureteral necrosis following pyeloplasty. Results: Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Postoperative intravenous pyelogram showed good flow of dye from the pelvis past the appendicular graft into the bladder. After 6 months, the child was asymptomatic, within the normal growth curve for height and weight. Conclusion: Total ureteral reconstruction with cecal appendix is a feasible technique in young children. Surveillance for late operative complications is required, since this is the first case of total left ureteral reconstruction with appendix to connect the renal pelvis of a native kidney to the urinary bladder.