Dilatation of ureteral stenoses: techniques and experience in 44 patients.

Chronic ureteral stenting provides effective palliation for ureters obstructed by malignant disease but is not ideal for benign postsurgical ureteral strictures. Experience over 5 years with 44 benign strictures following various surgical procedures has shown that about half of such strictures can be successfully treated with transluminal dilatation, thereby sparing these patients additional surgery or chronic indwelling ureteral stents. The techniques for stricture dilatation with balloon catheters and temporary ureteral stents are discussed, results are reviewed, and recommendations for patient selection are offered.