Endoballoon rupture and stenting for pelviureteric junction obstruction: technique and early results.

Endoballoon rupture and stenting was performed on 31 patients with pelviureteric junction obstruction. A percutaneous antegrade approach was used in 20 patients, a retrograde technique in 11. Clinical and renographic improvement was seen in 21 patients. Four patients later underwent nephrectomy, all of whom had a GFR of less than 20% in the affected kidney. Endoballoon rupture is technically undemanding, easier and less invasive than endopyelotomy. In patients with adequate renal function it provides a suitable alternative to pyeloplasty.