A Pfannenstiel or lower midline incision can be used for ureteral reimplantation and psoas hitch. Filling the bladder prior to incision may help with the dissection.
The space of Retzius is developed and the bladder is mobilized by freeing the peritoneal attachments. With traction on the ipsilateral dome, the bladder should be able to reach superior to the iliac vessels. If additional mobility is needed, the contralateral superior vesicle artery can be divided.
The affected ureter is identified as it crosses the iliac vessels and is transected just proximal to the diseased segment. Placement of a stay suture on the healthy proximal ureter and careful mobilization minimizes trauma to the healthy ureter. An anterior cystostomy (vertical, oblique, or horizontal closed vertically) can be used to manually displace the bladder toward the ipsilateral ureter. The ureter is then delivered into the superolateral aspect of the dome of the bladder and the anastomosis performed, either in a refluxing or nonrefluxing (ureter placed through a submucosal tunnel) manner. The ipsilateral bladder dome is then anchored to the psoas minor tendon or the psoas major muscle with several absorbable sutures, taking care to prevent injury to the genitofemoral nerve. If preferred, the psoas hitch can be performed prior to the ureteral reimplantation.
A double J stent is placed, and the bladder is closed in a 2-layer closure with absorbable sutures.