Nephroureteral Obstructions: The Use of Stents and Ureteral Bypass Systems for Renal Decompression

Canine and feline nephroureteral obstruction is a complex disease process that can be challenging to treat. Although the availability of various imaging modalities allows for a straightforward diagnosis to be made in most cases, the decision-making process for when a case should be taken to surgery and the optimal treatment modality that should be used for renal decompression remains controversial. In the following discussion, an overview of the perioperative management of cases with nephroureterolithiasis and nephroureteral obstruction is reviewed, with particular focus on the use of renal decompressive procedures, such as ureteral stenting and subcutaneous ureteral bypass system placement.