Abstract: Background and purpose: Radical nephroureterectomy can be performed in a variety of ways, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. It still remains controversial for choosing the surgical methods. In this study, we chose six surgical methods and investigated the safety and efficacy of different methods in treating upper urinary tract carcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 135 patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma who underwent operations in our hospital from Jan. 2002 to Oct. 2013, and compared the data of six different operations including operating time, volume of bleeding, time of bowel function recovery and incidence of bladder carcinomas. Results: The operations were successfully completed in groups A and B. Five cases in group C were transferred into group A because of failing to pull the nub of the ureter. Two cases in group D were transferred into group A because of failing to pull the nub of the ureter. Three cases in group E were transferred into group D and 1 case was transferred into group A because of adhesion or bleeding. One case in group F was transferred into group A because of bleeding. There was no statistically significant difference in survival rates among six operations. Conclusion: Six operations are all safe and effective for the treatment of upper urinary tract carcinomas. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. We should choose different methods according to particular cases.

Key words: Nephroureterectomy, Renal pelvic carcinoma, Ureteral carcinoma