Application of three-dimensional visualization technology in laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction caused by crossing vessels: a retrospective comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) caused by crossing vessels is a common upper urinary tract abnormal development in which the vessels compress the upper segment of the ureter leading to different grades of hydronephrosis. Compared with routine computed tomography (CT) examination, three-dimensional visualization technology (3DVT) can help surgeons better understand the anatomical structure of the target surgical area. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical value of 3DVT for the diagnosis, preoperative surgical planning, perioperative outcomes, and patient education of UPJO caused by crossing vessels. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who were admitted to the Department of Urology in Xiangya Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021 presenting with UPJO caused by crossing vessel compression. Among the 28 patients included, 13 patients underwent preoperative 3DVT and 15 patients underwent routine computed tomography (CT) scans. After the initial evaluation, all patients received standardized dismembered LP. The 2 groups of patients were compared in terms of demographic parameters, intraoperative data, and perioperative results. After surgery, all patients were asked to complete a Likert scale questionnaire to gain insight into their understanding of the disease and surgery, as well as their satisfaction with the use of different imaging techniques. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), side of obstruction, blood vessel compressing the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), mean duration of hospitalization, and surgical efficacy between the 2 groups. However, the 3DVT group experienced a significant reduction in operation duration (120.8±7.0 versus 144.0±7.9 min, P=0.039), time required for dismemberment of the UPJ (14.8±1.7 versus 24.0±2.2 min, P=0.004), and the amount of intraoperative blood loss (60.8±10.5 versus 95.3±11.9 mL, P=0.041). The 3DVT group was also notably superior to the conventional CT group in terms of the overall levels of patient satisfaction and understanding of the disease and surgery. CONCLUSIONS: 3DVT is a helpful preoperative examination tool which can clearly show the anatomical relationship between crossing vessels and the UPJ. In addition, 3DVT can also help patients better understand their conditions and surgical plans, thereby improving patient satisfaction.