Percutaneous balloon dilatation of ureteral strictures

Percutaneous balloon dilatation of ureteral strictures has not gained widespread acceptance, despite proven success with the techniques for dilating stenotic blood vessels. Thirty-one ureteral strictures (in 30 patients) that were dilated during a 42-month period were reviewed to assess the results and to determine which patients are most likely to benefit from the procedure. Eighteen (58%) of 31 strictures were successfully dilated and remained patent for at least 6 months. Thirteen (42%) of 31 strictures resulted in failed patency either immediately (two patients) or within 3 months (seven patients), 6 months (three patients), or 21 months (one patient). Fourteen (64%) of 22 strictures less than 7 months of age were successfully dilated. All dilations for strictures more than 7 months of age failed. Four strictures were of unknown age. Nine (69%) of 13 strictures located in the proximal or midureter remained patent, and three (60%) of five dilations at a ureteroileal anastomosis were successful. Neither of two strictures at a ureterocolic anastomosis was treated successfully. We conclude that percutaneous balloon dilatation is an effective treatment of ureteral strictures in some patients, especially when the strictures are less than 7 months of age.