Percutaneous balloon dilatation in treatment of infected pyelocaliceal diverticulum

Abscess formation is a known complication of pyelocaliceal diverticulum. Although successful management of stones complicating pyelocaliceal diverticulum has been described utilizing percutaneous techniques, this is the first report to our knowledge of a percutaneous technique that simultaneously manages an acute abscess and provides for ablation of the diverticular cavity thus preventing future recurrences. The method involves placement of single or multiple stents spanning the diverticulum and the collecting system proper following percutaneous dilatation of the narrow isthmus that usually provides the communication with the main collecting system. The procedure offers an economical and tissue-sparing approach, which obviates the need for major abdominal or retroperitoneal operation.