Abstract
Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) can be caused by ureteral cancer but also by extramural obstruction by a number of tumors located in the pelvis and abdominal cavity. Generally, these are late-stage tumors that cause obstruction of the ureters by their own tumor or nodal process.
Untreated MUO eventually leads to hydronephrosis, obstructive uropathy, manifestations of uremia, and subsequently death. Historically, the approach to MUO has evolved from open surgical methods burdened with high morbidity to minimally invasive methods.
Potential solutions to MUO include the insertion of ureteral stents or percutaneous nephrostomy. While both methods are effective in the management of MUO, stents are more likely to fail the treatment when an extramural obstruction is significant.
Even minimally invasive methods have a non-negligible complication rate in cancer patients. Decisions about the management of MUO used to be the domain of urologists.
It is nowadays necessary to manage MUO within multidisciplinary teams, with regard to the prognosis of the disease and ongoing oncological treatment. The benefit and risks of urinary diversion should be carefully considered on an individual basis when urinary diversion is indicated.
Prognostic models can help in this decision. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of information on the issue of MUO, draw attention to the potential risks of urinary derivation, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.