Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and ureteral strictures treated by simple high-pressure balloon dilation

The long-term results of simple high-pressure balloon dilation in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and ureteral strictures were evaluated. A total of 77 consecutive patients were treated: 40 had UPJO and 37 ureteral strictures. The etiology of the obstruction included congenital UPJO, previous stones, sequelae of endoscopic and open surgery, radiotherapy, and urinary tract reconstruction. A retrograde ureteroscopic approach was used. Evaluation included clinical and radiographic examinations and renal scintigraphy with diuretic wash-out. The procedure was repeated in 21 cases. The median follow-up was 29 months. The procedure was considered successful if it left the patient asymptomatic and with improved renographic function and drainage. The overall success rate was 70%. The best results were obtained in strictures secondary to stones, with a success rate of 94%, and in strictures secondary to reconstructive and ureteroscopic surgery, with a success rate of 91%. In congenital UPJO, the results were less encouraging: in patients with a symptom debut after the age of 18 years, balloon dilation was successful in 57% of cases; in patients with symptom debut before the age of 18 years, success was achieved in only 25% of cases. There were no major complications. It was concluded that simple high-pressure balloon dilation is a safe and reasonably effective technique for the management of most ureteral strictures and congenital UPJO with symptom debut in adult life. Balloon dilation seems to have no place in the treatment of primary congenital UPJO in children.