Percutaneous urolithotomy: the use of balloon catheters as an adjunct.

Abstract
Balloon catheters were used in 3 patients to assist in the removal of upper urinary tract calculi that resisted extraction by conventional means. Both angioplasty catheters and Foley catheters may be used to dislodge hard-to-reach calyceal calculi or ureteral calculi into more accessible locations, such as the renal pelvis or an ileal conduit.