Ureteroscopic management of transitional cell tumors.

Eighty-nine ureteroscopies, comprising 102 renal units, were performed on 31 patients for diagnosis, treatment or follow-up of transitional cell tumors of the upper urinary tract. The indications were hematuria or filling defect (29 endoscopies), treatment of tumor (19) and follow-up (41), i.e. 33, 21 and 48 renal units. Ureteroscopy (including 2 peroperative) was satisfactorily completed in 93 units. Tumor was suspected or diagnosed in 57 units, but later disproved in 11. Two tumors were overlooked at endoscopy. Surgery was performed in 21 cases (bilateral in 3), with indications based on ureteroscopic findings in 58%. Electroresection, laser photocoagulation or fulguration was done on ten units (average treatment sessions 2.6). Inadequate ureteroscopic treatment led to surgery in two of these units, but in seven open surgery was avoided (follow-up 6-47, mean 25 months). One old patient had no further treatment. Follow-up ureteroscopy was planned for 48 units and completed in 42. Complications occurred after 11 of 89 endoscopies. Ureteroscopic management of upper-tract urothelial tumors can be satisfactory, with long freedom from recurrence.