Endourologic procedures for ureteropelvic junction stenosis: techniques and results

Twenty-two cases of stenosis of the ureteropelvic junction were treated by endourologic procedures; 13 were associated with renal stones. Three techniques were used, depending on the type and degree of obstruction: (1) anterograde or retrograde dilation with a double-lumen balloon dilator catheter; (2) incision of the stricture with a cold knife after a percutaneous approach to the kidney; and (3) incision of the stenosis with a new flexible knife through a nephrostomy tract. Balloon dilation was always performed after the incision. No immediate complications were observed following the procedure. The average follow-up was eight months. A routine excretory urogram was done three months after treatment. There were four reobstructions, and in 1 patient the ureteropelvic junction could not be identified. Success rate was 77.3 percent.