Glide wires for delayed catheterization of severely obstructed ureters

Failure to retrogradely catheterize an obstructed ureter may require a nephrostomy. We describe an endoscopic technique to catheterize a severely obstructed ureter when the obstruction does not permit passage of a ureteral catheter over a wire.

Using a cystoscope, a wire is passed beyond the obstruction. When the attempt to insert a ureteral catheter over the wire fails, the wire is left in place, fixed externally to a Foley catheter. A second attempt to insert a ureteral catheter is carried out 24-48 h later.

The procedure was performed in 5 patients. Ureteral catheterization, which was initially impossible, was performed successfully and without complications.

Maintaining a wire in place over a short period of time facilitates a subsequent ureteral catheterization.