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Equine veterinary journal2026; doi: 10.1002/evj.70201

Laser neoureterocystostomy to treat ectopic ureters.

Abstract: Ureteral ectopia is an uncommon but clinically important congenital abnormality in horses. If left untreated, it can lead to persistent dermatitis, urinary tract infections, and failure to thrive. Surgical correction is necessary, but traditional approaches have produced mixed results with high morbidity. Identification of a minimally invasive, effective technique would significantly improve prognosis. Objective: To describe the procedure and outcomes of cystoscopic guided laser neoureterocystostomy in three fillies. Methods: Case series. Methods: Retrospective review of three cases treated with cystoscopic guided laser neoureterocystostomy. Results: Laser neoureterocystostomy was a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for ectopic ureters, with favourable short- and long-term outcomes. Conclusions: Small sample size. Conclusions: Ectopic ureters in horses can be successfully managed using minimally invasive surgical intervention. Unassigned: Die Ureterektopie ist eine seltene, jedoch klinisch bedeutsame angeborene Anomalie beim Pferd. Unbehandelt kann sie zu persistierender Dermatitis, Harnwegsinfektionen und Entwicklungsstörungen führen. Eine chirurgische Korrektur ist erforderlich, jedoch haben traditionelle Verfahren gemischte Ergebnisse mit hoher Morbidität gezeigt. Die Identifizierung einer minimalinvasiven und effektiven Technik würde die Prognose erheblich verbessern. Unassigned: Beschreibung des Verfahrens und der Ergebnisse einer zystoskopisch durchgeführten Laser‐Neoureterozystostomie bei drei Stutfohlen. Methods: Kurze Fallserie. Methods: Retrospektive Auswertung von drei Fällen, die mittels zystoskopisch geführter Laser‐Neoureterozystostomie behandelt wurden. Unassigned: Die Laser‐Neoureterozystostomie erwies sich als sichere, effektive und minimalinvasive Behandlungsmethode für ektopische Ureteren mit positiven kurz‐ und langfristigen Ergebnissen. HAUPTEINSCHRÄNKUNGEN: Geringe Stichprobengröße. Unassigned: Ektopische Ureteren beim Pferd können erfolgreich durch minimalinvasive chirurgische Intervention behandelt werden.
© 2026 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2026-05-31 PubMed ID: 42219152DOI: 10.1002/evj.70201Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research article reports on a novel, minimally invasive laser-guided surgical technique, laser neoureterocystostomy, used to treat ectopic ureters in horses, specifically in three fillies.
  • The study demonstrates that this technique is safe, effective, and results in favorable outcomes, offering an improved alternative to traditional, more invasive surgeries.

Background and Clinical Importance

  • Ureteral ectopia is a rare congenital condition in horses where one or both ureters do not connect properly to the bladder.
  • This abnormality causes urine to be misdirected, which can lead to severe clinical issues such as:
  • Surgical correction is essential for these animals to prevent ongoing morbidity and improve quality of life.
  • Traditional surgical methods have had variable success and are associated with high rates of complications (morbidity), making the search for less invasive and more reliable treatments important.

Objective

  • The main goal was to describe and assess the outcomes of a cystoscopic-guided laser neoureterocystostomy—a minimally invasive surgical technique—in three fillies diagnosed with ectopic ureters.

Methods

  • The study was a retrospective case series, reviewing medical records from three fillies who underwent the laser-guided neoureterocystostomy procedure.
  • The procedure involved using cystoscopy (a camera inserted into the bladder) to visualize the ureters and bladder, followed by laser instrumentation to create a new anatomical connection between the ureter and bladder—correcting the ectopic placement.
  • The minimally invasive approach aimed to reduce surgical trauma and associated complications.

Results

  • The laser neoureterocystostomy was found to be:
    • Safe, with no significant intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications reported.
    • Effective in correcting the ectopic ureters, restoring normal urine flow.
    • Minimally invasive, avoiding extensive open surgery.
  • The three fillies showed favorable short-term recovery, and follow-up indicated sustained improvements long-term.

Conclusions and Limitations

  • The study concludes that ectopic ureters in horses can be successfully managed using minimally invasive laser neoureterocystostomy.
  • This technique could offer better prognoses with lower morbidity compared to traditional surgical treatments.
  • A limitation of this study is the small sample size (only three cases), which means further research with larger populations is necessary to confirm these findings and assess variability in outcomes.

Significance

  • This study introduces an innovative, less invasive surgical option for a challenging condition in equine medicine.
  • It may lead to changes in veterinary surgical practice by offering a safer and effective alternative to open surgery for ureteral ectopia.
  • Improved treatment options can enhance foal welfare, accelerate recovery, and reduce complications from this congenital disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Smith C, Parente EJ. (2026). Laser neoureterocystostomy to treat ectopic ureters. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1002/evj.70201

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Smith, Caitlin
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Parente, Eric J
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.

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