Treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction using a detachable inflatable stent: initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a new method for treating ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction using a detachable inflatable stent positioned via a cystoscopic transvesicular approach. CONCLUSION: Eleven patients with UPJ obstruction were treated using a detachable inflatable stent, 64% of whom experienced complete pain relief. In 82% of patients, no obstruction was seen on renograms obtained after the procedure. The initial results achieved in the treatment of UPJ obstruction with a detachable inflatable balloon are promising, but further research in a larger patient population is required.