Our Summary

A 9-year-old Dachshund dog was having difficulty urinating. Upon examination, it was discovered that the dog had an enlarged prostate, which later tests confirmed was due to prostate cancer. Because the cancer was blocking the dog’s urinary tract, a type of surgery that would help the dog urinate despite the blockage was performed. This surgery, called laparoscopic assisted cutaneous ureterostomy, is minimally invasive. The dog recovered well from the surgery and didn’t experience any major complications. After the surgery, chemotherapy was continued to help manage the cancer. This case study is significant because it introduces a new, less invasive surgical technique to help dogs with prostate cancer.

FAQs

  1. What is a laparoscopic assisted cutaneous ureterostomy (LACU)?
  2. How was the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma confirmed in the dog?
  3. What is the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in the post-surgical treatment of prostatic neoplasia in dogs?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about ureterostomy is to make sure to follow any post-operative care instructions carefully, including monitoring the stoma site for signs of infection or other complications. It is also important to keep the stoma clean and dry to prevent irritation and infection. Additionally, the patient should stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to promote proper urinary function. Regular follow-up appointments with the doctor are essential to monitor the success of the ureterostomy and address any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for ureterostomy include those with lower urinary tract obstruction, such as in cases of prostatic carcinoma in dogs. This surgical urinary diversion treatment can provide palliative relief and improve quality of life for patients with neoplastic lower urinary tract obstructions. Other potential candidates for ureterostomy may include patients with ureteral strictures, ureteral obstruction, or other conditions that prevent normal urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder. Ultimately, the decision to recommend ureterostomy will depend on the individual patient’s specific condition and overall health status.

Timeline

Before ureterostomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of stranguria, such as difficulty urinating.
  2. Enlarged prostate is identified on physical examination.
  3. Diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma is confirmed by cytology.
  4. Neoplastic lower urinary tract obstruction is identified.

After ureterostomy:

  1. Palliative surgical urinary diversion treatment is performed with laparoscopic assisted cutaneous ureterostomy (LACU).
  2. The patient recovers well without any major complications.
  3. Adjuvant chemotherapy is maintained and continued for post-surgical medical therapy.
  4. The novel minimally invasive assisted technique proves effective in palliative treatment of prostatic neoplasia in canine patients.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a ureterostomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the ureterostomy procedure?
  3. How will the ureterostomy affect my quality of life and daily activities?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet after the procedure?
  5. How long will I need to have the ureterostomy in place?
  6. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the ureterostomy procedure?
  7. How can I manage and care for the ureterostomy site at home?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of with a ureterostomy?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider for my condition?
  10. How successful is the ureterostomy procedure in treating neoplastic lower urinary tract obstructions in dogs?

Reference

Authors: Allevi G, Spediacci C, Marchesi E, Trovatelli M. Journal: Vet Med Sci. 2021 Sep;7(5):1483-1487. doi: 10.1002/vms3.568. Epub 2021 Jul 8. PMID: 34237193