title: Acucise endopyelotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The evolution of minimally invasive therapy for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction has culminated with the Acucise endopyelotomy. Antegrade endopyelotomy, laparoscopic pyeloplasty, and ureteroscopic endopyelotomy all offer excellent minimally invasive alternatives to open pyeloplasty, yet still represent more invasive techniques than the Acucise endopyelotomy in treating the obstructed UPJ.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Acucise endopyelotomy is a straightforward, efficacious, and safe procedure in the appropriate patient for treating UPJ obstruction. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the latest version of the Acucise allows the urologist to perform a retrograde pyelogram, position the Acucise catheter, make the incision, and place a ureteral stent, all over a single guide wire. In my experience, this latest technical modification has further simplified the procedure for the practicing urologist.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In 2000, the Acucise endopyelotomy continues to represent an excellent minimally invasive option for all urologists who choose to perform endopyelotomies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, USA.
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Nakada
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019723:Endoscopes; D006801:Humans; D007682:Kidney Pelvis / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D015607:Stents; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*