title: Ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture: novel use of a cutting balloon dilator.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Management of ureteroenteric strictures presents a significant challenge because of its intraabdominal location and morbidity associated with open surgical management. The peripheral cutting balloon microsurgical dilatation device (PCBD), approved by The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for use in coronary angioplasty, features a 2-cm noncompliant balloon with four microsurgical blades mounted longitudinally on its outer surface. We evaluated the feasibility and outcome of this cutting balloon dilator in the treatment of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three patients with a 1-cm or less ureteroenteric stricture underwent a transluminal incision under fluoroscopic guidance. Percutaneous access was obtained and a guidewire was introduced into the renal pelvis and ureter in antegrade fashion and passed through the stricture. The exact length of the strictured segment was measured. The PCBD was deployed over the guidewire and the balloon was inflated at the stricture site. The maximum diameter of the inflated balloon was 8 mm. Approximately 30 seconds later, the balloon was deflated and the enlarged passage from the ureter to the ileal loop was verified under fluoroscopy. A ureteral stent was placed and removed at 6 weeks after the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postoperative computed tomography scans at 12 months revealed improved hydronephrosis. All patients were asymptomatic postoperatively. One patient had a solitary kidney and creatinine level decreased significantly following the procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dilatation and incision with PCBD is a novel approach for the treatment of the short ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures. Long-term data need to be obtained to establish the efficacy of this technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. ugur@ugurboylu.com
authors.forename: Ugur
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Boylu
authors.forename: Mathew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oommen
authors.forename: Mathew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raynor
authors.forename: Benjamin R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blank
authors.forename: Raju
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery*