title: Laser endopyelotomy: minimally invasive therapy of ureteropelvic junction stenosis.
abstract: Endoscopic pyelotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is increasingly used for the management of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. We report the results and advantages in the management of UPJ obstruction using a ureteroscopic retrograde laser-assisted approach (laser endopyelotomy; LEP). Thirty-four patients were treated between December 1994 and June 1997 by this new technique. Twenty-seven obstructions were primary. The mean time of follow-up is 18 months. An indwelling ureteral catheter was placed 3 weeks prior to treatment. Intraoperatively, after the removal of the stent, a guidewire was passed across the stenosis, and the ureter was entered with a semirigid ureteroscope. The LEP was then performed under visual control using a contact laser fiber until all obstructive fibers had been cut. Follow-up examinations included sonography, intravenous urography, and, in unclear cases, a radionuclide renal scan with furosemide application after 3 months. The success rate was 85%. The most important factor influencing the outcome was the grade of hydronephrosis. Postoperative side effects have been minimal, and minor complications occurred in only 5 patients (15%). Laser endopyelotomy is a minimally invasive procedure with less morbidity for the treatment of UPJ obstruction. Only patients with a severe extrinsic cause of obstruction should be excluded from this technique. These cases can be approached laparoscopically.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Stadtkrankenhaus Heilbronn, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Renner
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Frede
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Seemann
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rassweiler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007682:Kidney Pelvis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*