Retrograde Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Using the Ureteral Cutting Balloon Catheter

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy and safety of a new cutting balloon catheter to treat symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 adults (mean age 40 years, range 18 to 79) underwent retrograde balloon incision for symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction (27 primary and 5 secondary cases). Treatment outcome was based on improvement of symptoms and resolution of obstruction by excretory urography or diuretic renal scintigraphy. RESULTS: A total of 36 retrograde endopyelotomies was performed on 32 patients. Of 4 patients who underwent repeat endopyelotomy 2 had resolution of persistent obstruction. At a mean followup of 14 months (range 3 to 28) 28 of 32 patients (87.5%) were rendered symptom-free and had no obstruction on excretory urography or diuretic renography. Average hospital stay was 1.8 days (range 0 to 6) and the complication rate was 15.6% (postoperative bleeding, fever and ileus). Treatment failed in 4 patients and subsequent open pyeloplasty was successful. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde balloon incision endopyelotomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.