When Is Partial Ureterectomy Acceptable for Transitional-Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter?

Because the disease is so often multifocal and has a high likelihood of recurrence, transitional-cell carcinoma of the ureter traditionally has been treated by nephroureterectomy. As reviewed in this article, partial ureterectomy may be a feasible option for some patients, particularly those with a solitary kidney, bilateral tumors, or renal insufficiency. This conservative procedure also may be appropriate for patients with grade 1 and possibly grade 2 tumors in stage Ta/T1.