Retrograde treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction using the ureteral cutting balloon catheter.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the efficacy and safety of a new cutting balloon catheter to treat symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults.


METHODS
A total of 32 adults (mean age 40 years, range 18 to 79) underwent retrograde balloon incision for symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction (27 primary and 5 secondary cases). Treatment outcome was based on improvement of symptoms and resolution of obstruction by excretory urography or diuretic renal scintigraphy.


RESULTS
A total of 36 retrograde endopyelotomies was performed on 32 patients. Of 4 patients who underwent repeat endopyelotomy 2 had resolution of persistent obstruction. At a mean followup of 14 months (range 3 to 28) 28 of 32 patients (87.5%) were rendered symptom-free and had no obstruction on excretory urography or diuretic renography. Average hospital stay was 1.8 days (range 0 to 6) and the complication rate was 15.6% (postoperative bleeding, fever and ileus). Treatment failed in 4 patients and subsequent open pyeloplasty was successful.


CONCLUSIONS
Retrograde balloon incision endopyelotomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
Faerber
G J
GJ
Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA.
Richardson
T D
TD
Farah
N
N
Ohl
D A
DA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007682:Kidney Pelvis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000628:therapy*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000379:methods*