title: Dilation of benign ureteral strictures.
abstract: Balloon dilation of benign ureteral strictures was performed in 33 patients in a percutaneous antegrade (25 patients) or retrograde (eight patients) fashion followed by placement of a 7-10-F stent for 4-8 weeks. Dilation was possible in all patients. During the follow-up period of 1-40 months the overall success rate was 76%. The success rate in primary strictures at the ureteropelvic junction was 86%. Among 10 patients with postsurgical (pyeloplasty, ureteroenterostomy, and ureteroneocystostomy) anastomotic strictures, dilation was successful in 50%. Of six patients with postoperative strictures after calculus removal by ureterolithotomy or pyelolithotomy, four (67%) had good results. All patients with iatrogenic postureteroscopic strictures (five patients) or accidental ureteral ligation (two patients) had a normal pyelogram at follow-up. The success rate in acute strictures of less than 3 months duration was 88%; in strictures of more than 3 months duration the success rate was 67%. Cause, length, and duration of stricture are the prime determinants of success. Early intervention with balloon dilation is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, MA 01805.
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Beckmann
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bihrle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014567:Urography