Balloon rupture and stenting for pelviureteric junction obstruction: abolition of waisting is a prognostic marker

Endoballoon rupture and stenting was performed on 26 patients with pelviureteric junction obstruction. Follow-up was for a mean of 21.4 months (range 3 to 44 months), during which 16 patients (64%) were asymptomatic and the symptoms of eight (30%) recurred; two were lost to follow-up. When waisting of the balloon was observed and seen to resolve during the balloon inflation, the outcome was successful in 75% of patients, compared to only 43% if this was not observed. Balloon rupture and stenting is a useful alternative to pyeloplasty, but has a lower success rate. Major complications were rare. The abolition of waisting is an important prognostic sign.