The management of urinary fistulas and strictures with percutaneous ureteral stent catheters

A method is described for percutaneous anterograde introduction of a ureteral stent catheter. The experience and treatment of 5 patients are reported: 2 ureterovaginal fistulas, 2 ureterocutaneous fistulas and 1 ureteral stricture. The capability of the technique to place a stent catheter in the presence of an almost complete separation of the ureter or through ureteral segments deformed by extensive cicatricial changes is emphasized. The method is advocated as a most effective alternative to supravesical drainage in patients with ureteral fistulas and impaired healing potential of ureters devitalized by surgical stripping and/or radiation therapy.