Endopyelotomy: Long-Term Follow-Up of 143 Patients

Abstract

Between 1982 and September 1989, 180 patients with primary or secondary pyeloureteral junction obstruction underwent endopyelotomy. Of these, 143 have been followed up for as long as 43 months (mean 12.4; SD 7.3 months). Clinical findings, isotope nephrography, and intravenous urography (IVU) were considered in preoperative and postoperative evaluation. Depending on the preoperative extent of hydronephrosis in IVU, we found good and very good results in 85% of the cases. Results were more favorable in primary stenoses. The outcome was dependent on stenting time. Shorter stenoses turned out better than long ones, and older patients seemed to have more favorable results. Renal calculi had a negative effect on the success rate. We observed 14 recurrences; these patients underwent another, successful, percutaneous trial. In not one case was open surgical intervention necessary. We conclude that endopyelotomy is a safe endourologic procedure with long-term success rates comparable to the results of open plastic surgery.