title: Laser endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy: an update.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although minimally invasive approach is one of the first-line treatment choices for ureteral strictures, there are still controversies on the ideal method to treat this entity. The objective of this update was to define the level of evidence around endoscopic treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) and ureteral strictures.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the current available literature on the PubMed database from the last decade up to May 2014 on laser endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The level of evidence for the endoscopic treatment of UPJ and ureteral strictures is low. Despite this, it appears that endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy performed mainly with Ho:YAG laser achieve good success rates with minimal perioperative morbidity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy should be considered a reasonable treatment option in selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Fundación Puigvert, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Carrer Cartagena 340-350, 08025, Barcelona, Spain, emiliani@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Esteban
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Emiliani
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Breda
mesh_terms: D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000601:surgery; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007682:Kidney Pelvis / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery*; D014515:Ureteral Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000379:methods*