Resumen
Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is the standard treatment for high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). It implies significant reduction in the renal function, compromising adjuvant chemotherapy administration and leading to risk of end stage renal disease in frail patients. Distal ureterectomy (DU) might be an alternative for tumors of the distal ureter but its indications remain unclear mainly due to concern about potential upper tract recurrences. The objective of our retrospective study was to determine the oncologic outcomes of DU for high-risk UTUC of the pelvic ureter, and to assess factors associated with recurrence in the particular population. We showed that oncological outcomes after DU were similar to those after RNU. Some of the classical prognostic factors after RNU were not identified in this cohort, pinpointing the necessity to consider tumors of the distal ureter as a specific entity.