[Non-vascular interventional radiology nonvascular interventional radiology of the urinary tract]

Several kinds of nonvascular interventional radiology of the urinary tract are reviewed. Transurethral balloon dilation of the prostate (TU-DP) is a newly developed nonsurgical treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia, which is performed under local anesthesia with minimal morbidity and requires no hospitalization. The TUDP technique involves dilating the prostatic urethra and bladder neck to 75 F for 10 minutes under fluoroscopic control using a high-pressure dilating balloon. Long-term follow-up studies are required. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and transurethral ureterolithotomy (TUL) have signified a revolution in stone surgery of upper urinary tract. Indications for these treatments, endoscopic manipulation, complications and their clinical features are presented. The procedure of PNL consists of 3 steps, puncture for nephrostomy tract, tract dilation and stone removal. Among these steps the most important is the puncture and it should be effected through the calyx. During the operation, if there is too much bleeding, it can be discontinued at any time while keeping the track open. It is no longer necessary for the kidney to be free of stones at the end of the operation. TUL is performed with a rigid or flexible ureterorenoscope. Dilation of the ureteral orifice and the intramural ureter is necessary for passing the scopes. When they have been sufficiently dilated, the ureterorenoscope can be passed to the level of the renal pelvis through the urethra. Calculi have been removed successfully at a higher rate in lower ureter. Endopyelotomy may be performed safely as an initial procedure to correct congenital obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction. Recent advancements have permitted an approach to percutaneous resection for renal pelvic tumor in a solitary kidney or bilateral synchronous disease. There are great expectations for continuing important innovations in the field of interventional radiology.