title: Retrograde treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction using the ureteral cutting balloon catheter.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Faerber
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Farah
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ohl
mesh_terms: 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*