dilation
balloon
methods
proximalureteral

Balloon dilation of the ureter

‎ 29,Nov 2022
Keywords : dilation balloon methods proximalureteral

Abstract
 
Purpose:
During ureteroscopy ureteral balloon dilation may be necessaryto allow for passage of endoscopic instruments or access sheaths.
We assessedthe efficacy and complications associated with ureteral balloon dilation.
 
Materials and methods:

 We retrospectivelyreviewed the records at 2 institutions from 2000 to 2012 to identify patientswho underwent ureteral balloon dilation during ureteroscopic treatment of uppertract stones. An 18Fr balloon dilator was used in all cases.
 Patients withdocumented ureteral stricture, radiation therapy or urothelial cancer wereexcluded from analysis.
 Primary outcomes were the stone-free rate, operativecomplications, balloon dilation failure and the postoperative ureteralstricture rate. Complications were divided into intraoperative andpostoperative groups according to the Satava and Clavien-Dindo classifications,respectively.

 
Results:
 A total of 151 patients fulfilled study criteria.
Medianfollowup was 12 months. The stone-free rate was 72% and median time to firstpostoperative imaging was 2.8 months. Balloon dilation failed in only 8patients (5%). Eight intraoperative ureteral perforations (5%) were identified,which were managed by a ureteral stent in 7 patients and a percutaneous tube in1. Endoscopic re-treatment was required in 4 patients with Satava 2bpostoperative complications.
 The postoperative complication rate was 8% (11cases). A single ureteral stricture was attributable to balloon dilation.

 
Conclusions:
 In this contemporary review balloon dilation of the ureterbefore endoscopic treatment of stone disease was associated with a high successrate and few complications. Ureteral balloon dilation may decrease the need fora secondary procedure in patients undergoing ureteroscopy to manage proximalureteral and intrarenal stones