Balloon Dilation of the Ureter: A Means to Facilitate Passage of Ureteral and Renal Calculi

Abstract
Dilation of the ureter with a balloon catheter, 20 cm. long and 6 mm. in diameter, passed over a guide wire introduced into the ureter in a retrograde or antegrade fashion has been followed by prompt painless passage of calculi as large as 6 mm. in diameter in 3 patients. Limited radiographic evaluation has revealed no significant sequelae. Our limited experience indicates that it is a safe and expedient method to facilitate passage of ureteral and renal calculi.