[Percutaneous treatment of tumors of the upper urinary tract]

In our Institution, 23 patients were selected for percutaneous resection of tumors of the upper urinary tract. Two patients underwent a second procedure: the first for ipsilateral recur and the second for an heterolateral tumor. Among these 23 patients, 11 presented a benign tumor, 9 were treated for a transitional carcinoma of whom 2 invasive state. Both underwent a nephro-ureterectomy. For the 7 superficial transitional carcinomas, the mean follow-up period is 30.4 months. The ipsilateral local recurrencee is 14.3% (1/7), and concern a poorly differentiated tumor (G III). The advantage of the endoscopic techniques to explore and treat the upper urinary tract tumors is double. With these techniques, we can diagnose and treat adequately benign tumors which don't justify radical surgery. In the case of transitional tumors, the percutaneous way is an acceptable method of management when it appears better to avoid a radical treatment (solitary kidney, bilateral synchronous tumors, impairment of total renal function, general injuries). However, it must be performed only in selected cases, and patients should be carefully selected.