Therapeutic ureteral occlusion in advanced pelvic malignant tumors

A technique for ureteral occlusion, combining insertion of nylon plugs with injection of polidocanol, is described. The method was used in 15 patients with vesicovaginal fistulas after operation and irradiation for advanced gynecological malignancy, or with severe malfunction and fibrosis of the bladder after radiotherapy for bladder carcinoma. The urinary leakage ceased in 11 patients, was greatly diminished in 2 and was unchanged in 2. Migration of plugs to the renal pelvis was the most serious complication and may have been the cause of pyelonephritis in 1 case. The technique is recommended for patients with a short life expectancy and uncontrolled, distressing leakage of urine.