OBJECTIVE: To analyse the long-term success of retrograde balloon dilatation (RBD) of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 58 adult patients (mean age 48 years, range 18-94) who had RBD between 1990 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. All symptomatic patients were included and assessed by dynamic renography. Success was judged as a symptomatic and/or functional improvement. Recurrence of symptoms was recorded and any evidence of deterioration of function despite improved symptoms. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS: In all, 44 (76%) patients were asymptomatic after RBD. There was no relationship between symptomatic change and renographic improvement; some patients who were rendered pain-free had either no improvement or even deterioration in their split renal function. Conversely, some patients who had a demonstrable improvement in their renal function continued to be symptomatic. However, a long-term follow-up (mean 6.1 years) of nine patients who were symptomatically improved showed good maintenance of split renal function. CONCLUSION: RBD is an effective treatment for PUJO and its success is maintained in the long term.
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the long-term success of retrograde balloon dilatation (RBD) of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 58 adult patients (mean age 48 years, range 18-94) who had RBD between 1990 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. All symptomatic patients were included and assessed by dynamic renography. Success was judged as a symptomatic and/or functional improvement. Recurrence of symptoms was recorded and any evidence of deterioration of function despite improved symptoms. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS: In all, 44 (76%) patients were asymptomatic after RBD. There was no relationship between symptomatic change and renographic improvement; some patients who were rendered pain-free had either no improvement or even deterioration in their split renal function. Conversely, some patients who had a demonstrable improvement in their renal function continued to be symptomatic. However, a long-term follow-up (mean 6.1 years) of nine patients who were symptomatically improved showed good maintenance of split renal function. CONCLUSION: RBD is an effective treatment for PUJO and its success is maintained in the long term.