Percutaneous nephroureteral drainage and stenting for postsurgical ureteral leaks

Five patients with postoperative ureteral fistulae subsequent to surgically created ureteral anastomoses were treated successfully by temporary percutaneous nephroureteral drainage and stenting. Low, constant suction applied to the drainage tubes achieved total urinary diversion, while concomitant ureteral stenting seemed to prevent subsequent stricture formation. The techniques have reduced considerably the morbidity of this particular postoperative complication.