Catheter dilatation of benign ureteral strictures.

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Abstract
Symptomatic, benign postoperative strictures (27) of the ureter or ureteropelvic junction were dilated with balloon or angiographic catheters in an attempt to definitively treat the strictures without surgery. Dilatations (23) were performed in antegrade fashion in conjunction with or subsequent to percutaneous nephrostomy, and 4 strictures were dilated in retrograde fashion per urethra. Of 27 strictures, 13 (48%) were successfully dilated. Certain strictures were more amenable to dilatation than others. The potential for success in dilating ureteral strictures appears to be more dependent on the nature of the stricture than either its duration or the method of dilatation. The initial experience, suggested techniques and guidelines for patient selection are offered.