The use of corticosteroids in the management of bilateral malignant ureteric obstruction

Ureteric obstruction is not an uncommon complication of malignant disease or its treatment. We describe the effectiveness of a corticosteroid in a patient with bilateral ureteric obstruction from metastatic colon cancer causing acute renal failure. We presume that the effectiveness was because of its activity in reducing edema related to the tumor. Other modalities of treatment are discussed but each case requires individualization of treatment with due ethical consideration.