Doctors at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) successfully reconstructed the damaged ureter of a 38-year-old Nepalese man using tissue from inside his mouth, known as buccal mucosa.

The patient had only one functioning kidney due to childhood illness. Months ago, stones developed in the ureter of this kidney. While undergoing laser treatment in Nepal, his ureter was severely damaged, leading to urinary complications. Referred to AINU, specialists opted for a novel approach—rebuilding the ureter using buccal mucosa grafts.

Dr. C. Mallikarjuna, Managing Director and Chief Urologist at AINU, explained that while buccal mucosa is commonly used in urethral repairs, its use in ureteral reconstruction is rare due to the ureter's narrow structure. The procedure, performed robotically, involved grafting the oral tissue to restore normal urine flow.

‘Laser technology is transformative but must be used with precision,’ Dr. Mallikarjuna added. ‘This successful reconstruction highlights how innovation and expertise can restore health in even the most complex cases.’