Advances in ureteral stent development.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ureteral stents are commonly used in urology, but there is no perfect ureteral stent. This review documents developing ureteral technologies and strategies over the past 2 years. This area has some progressive advances in the foreseeable future. RECENT FINDINGS: Publications from 2014 and 2015 from a PubMed search with the words 'ureter' and 'stent' in the title were reviewed. Topics that affected patient symptoms from stents include selecting the proper length of stent, patient education regarding stent symptoms, and how the stent is removed. Stent extraction strings have been studied and not increased the incidence of infection or pain. There have been several publications examining antirefluxing ureteral stents that reduced vesicoureteral reflux during micturition and infection of transplanted kidneys. Other novel methods of removing a stent include new biodegradable ureteral stents and metal beads attached to the stent used in tandem with a magnetic catheter. Several new metal and mesh stents were described for use in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. Last, new stent coatings with antimicrobial peptides have also been described. SUMMARY: The search continues for the perfect stent and there has been promising progress over the past 2 years.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with non-simultaneous involuntary detrusor contraction in chronic spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether it is correct to use endoscopic treatment via bulking agents of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) seen on video urodynamics with non-simultaneous involuntary detrusor contraction in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with a cohort of 76 patients (age 48.9 ± 14.4 years) (mean ± standard deviation) of both sexes with chronic SCI who underwent endoscopic treatment of VUR during the years 2008 to 2011. Patients were subjected to clinical examinations and video urodynamic studies preoperatively and 22 ± 11.4 months after the intervention. RESULTS: Resolution of VUR was achieved in 46 cases (61%). Cured patients had a statistically significant younger age and showed stress urinary incontinence more frequently. On the contrary, a greater grade of VUR, presence of bilateral reflux and presence of NDO were positively associated with treatment failure. The variables that independently influenced the cure of the reflux were NDO and reflux grade. CONCLUSIONS: The failure rate was high in patients with NDO, even though the reflux was not synchronous with involuntary detrusor contraction, and therefore these patients should have NDO eradicated before doing any anti-reflux procedures.

Endoscopic application of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer in the treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate the success of endoscopic dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (DHAC) application in the treatment of patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) into the transplanted graft after renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Between January 2008 and April 2009, 19 patients with recurrent UTIs presented VUR proven by voiding cystourethrography. • To correct VUR of the transplanted ureter, DHAC was injected endoscopically using hydrodistention technique. • Pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels, the number of pre- and postoperative UTIs, postoperative complications and reflux resolution rate were recorded. The mean follow-up was 6.5 months. RESULTS: • The average number of UTIs was reduced significantly from 4.89 (range 2-14) to 1.31 (range 0-4) on pre- and postoperative follow-up, respectively, of 6 months (P < 0.001). The success rate increased from 57.9% after the first injection to 78.9% after the second injection. • The remaining four patients with residual VUR received long-term low dose antibiotic prophylaxis. In total, two (10.5%) patients developed increasing creatinine levels postoperatively as a result of distal ureteral obstruction, and temporary urinary drainage was necessary in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: • DHAC appears to be an efficient and minimal invasive method for treating VUR after renal transplantation with respect to short-term success. • Further investigation with a larger group of patients and longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the prolonged effect, as well as any potential side effects.

Transurethral injection therapy with carbon-coated beads (Durasphere®) for treatment of recurrent pyelonephritis in kidney transplant patients with vesico-ureteral reflux to the allograft.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recurrent transplant pyelonephritis (RTP) secondary to vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) to the transplant kidney (KTx) remains a significant cause of infectious complications with impact on patient and graft outcomes. Our objective was to verify the safety and efficacy of transurethral injection of Durasphere(®) to relieve RTP secondary to VUR after renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2004 and July 2008, eight patients with RTP (defined as two or more episodes of pyelonephritis after transplantation) and VUR to the KTx were treated with subureteral injections of Durasphere(®). The mean age at surgery was 38.8 ± 13.8 yr (23-65). The patients were followed regularly every six months. The mean interval between the KTx and the treatment was 76 ± 74.1 (10-238 months). The mean follow-up was 22.3 ± 16.1 months (8-57 months). RESULTS: Six patients (75%) were free of pyelonephritis during a mean period of follow-up of 23.2 ± 17.1 months (8-57 months). Two of them had no VUR and four cases presented with G II VUR (pre-operative G IV three cases and one case G III). In one case, symptomatic recurrent cystitis made a second treatment necessary. This patient remained free of infections for three yr after the first treatment and for 18 months after the second treatment. Of the remaining two patients, one had six episodes of RTP before treatment in a period of three yr and only two episodes after treatment in two yr of follow-up. The last case had a new episode of pyelonephritis five months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral injection therapy with Durasphere(®) is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option for KTx patients with recurrent RTP. A second treatment seems to be necessary in some cases.

Endoscopic subureteral polydimethylsiloxane injection and prevention of recurrent acute graft pyelonephritis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is an important factor in recurrent acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN). In this study, we evaluated the effect of subureteral polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) injection on recurrent AGPN in renal transplant recipients with VUR. METHODS: 64 renal transplant recipients with recurrent AGPN were included, 31 (48%) of whom had VUR. Of the patients with VUR, 19 (61%) were treated with PDS and the others were managed with antibiotics. The effect of PDS treatment on recurrent AGPN was evaluated in terms of the overall success rate, the success rate according to VUR grade, and the number of PDS treatments. RESULTS: The overall success rate of PDS injection was 63%, and the number of AGPN episodes was significantly reduced after injection compared with the number before injection (0.21 vs. 1.34 times/person-year, respectively, p < 0.05). The success rate of PDS treatment differed with the VUR grade (50% in grade 1, 33% in grade 2, 75% in grade 3, and 67% in grade 4). The success rate in the first trial was 67% and in the second it was 50%. CONCLUSION: PDS injection is an effective treatment for recurrent AGPN in renal allograft recipients with VUR.

Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic refluxing renal transplant ureteroneocystostomies in children.

To present a multi-center experience with the use of Dx/HA copolymer for treatment of symptomatic refluxing renal transplant UNC in children. A multi-center, retrospective chart review was performed. Eleven patients with a mean age of eight yr underwent renal transplantation with an anti-refluxing UNC. Data were collected to determine the safety and effectiveness of the procedure and to identify possible predictors of success. Endoscopic treatment was successful in one of five males and five of six females, for an overall success rate of 54.5%. The etiology of renal failure was associated with success of treatment, with 4/6 (67%) patients with upper tract pathology demonstrating resolution of the VUR, as compared with one of three (33%) patients with lower tract pathology. Male patients had a higher incidence of lower tract pathology. No complications were associated with the endoscopic procedure. Endoscopic injection of Dx/HA remains a safe option for the treatment of symptomatic refluxing transplant UNC in children. Although the success rate is lower than that seen in the treatment of primary VUR, the minimally invasive nature and safety of this technique may offer advantages over open reconstruction of the refluxing transplant ureter.

Endoscopic meatotomy in the treatment of ureterocele: results in adult patients.

To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic meatotomy in the treatment of ureterocele in adults. A retrospective study of adult patients with ureterocele, treated between January 1987 and December 2014. In 47 patients, 55 intravesical ureteroceles were diagnosed and classified as 18 right, 21 left and eight bilateral (38%, 44% and 17% respectively). According to the Bruézière classification, 41 (75%) ureteroceles were type A and 14 (25%) others were type C. These ureteroceles were complicated by calculus formation in 22 cases, moderately dilated excretory pathways in 16 cases and both complications in a total of 9 cases. Four patients had a complicated ureterocele with pyelonephritis, one of which was emphysematous. The endoscopic treatment was performed in cases of complicated and/or symptomatic ureteroceles. Fifty one cases were treated by a "smiling mouth" meatotomy consisting in a transverse horizontal incision, with the treatment of any associated complication. The mean operative time was 35 minutes (10-90). The operative follow-up was uneventful in 42 patients and complications occurred in 5 patients (2 urinary retentions, 2 infectious complications and one hematuria). The mean duration of postoperative stay was 1-2 days. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Four patients developed vesicoureteral reflux and no stenosis was noted. The endoscopic incision of the ureteroceles seems today, after reviewing the results, to be a good treatment of adult ureterocele. It is a simple, minimally invasive and has a low morbidity rate.

Macroplastique and Botox are superior to Macroplastique alone in the management of neurogenic vesicoureteric reflux in spinal cord injury population with presumed healthy bladders.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Vesico-ureteric reflux(VUR) is a known complication of neuropathic bladder in spinal cord injury(SCI) population. Bulking agents such as Macroplastique are new minimally-invasive treatment option for VUR with good results. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Macroplastique alone or in combination with Botox(BTX-A), in managing VUR in SCI population with presumed healthy bladders and correlate the pre-and post-injection urodynamic findings with the outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. PARTICIPANTS: SCI patients with VUR and presumed health bladders (normo-compliant, low filling pressures), treated with macroplastique alone or in combination with BTX-A, who had pre and post-intervention Video-urodynamics (VUDS) and followed up for at least 12 months. INTERVENTIONS: Macroplastique and BTX-A injections, VUDS. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was the overall treatment rate of VUR at 3 months and the secondary outcomes were the success rate (treated + improved) and the comparison of urodynamic parameters (pre-and post-injection). RESULTS: We studied 34 intervention-naïve SCI patients. 19 had only Macroplastique (Group 1) and 15 had Macroplastique and BTX-A (Group 2). The overall treatment rate was 65.4% for group 1 and 88.9% for group 2 (P = 0.029). The overall success rate (treated + improved) was 80.8% and 94.4% respectively (P = 0.123). The comparison of follow up VUDS parameters showed a statistically significant rise in the detrusor pressure of group 1 (34.04cmH2O vs.19.2cmH2O, P = 0.008) and a drop in compliance (19.8mls/cmH2O vs.26.3mls/cmH2O, P = 0.018) as compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: The combination of BTX-A and Macroplastique is more effective that Macroplastique alone in the management of secondary VUR in SCI patients with presumed healthy bladders.

Endoscopic Treatment for Vesicoureteral Reflux in Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Kidney Transplant: Experience of One Center.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after renal transplantation in adult patients has been reported. In renal transplant recipients, symptomatic urinary tract infection can cause high morbidity despite improved immunosuppressive and antibiotic treatment. In our country there have been few reported cases about use of copolymer of dextranomer and hyaluronic acid (DX-HA) injection in a renal transplant. We present 3 cases of recurrent or complicated infections with evidence of high-grade VUR, which were treated with DX-HA. Only 1 case had a partial remission; however, there were no episodes of urinary tract infection in 12 months of follow-up. Suburethral injection is an endoscopic treatment modality with low morbidity in our country.

[Efficacy in endoscopic treatment of secondary vesicoureteral reflux with polydimethylsiloxane]. / Eficacia a largo plazo del tratamiento endoscópico en el reflujo vesicoureteral de etiología secundaria con polidimetilsiloxano.

OBJECTIVE: To value the efficacy in endoscopic treatment of the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We have realized a prospective study in patients with RVU treated with endoscopic polydimethylsiloxane, from January 1999 until December 2001, analyzing the results after an average pursuit of 30 months. We included 144 patients, 92 girls and 52 children, with 213 VUR (124 primary ones and 89 of secondary etiology). The initial efficacy of the treatment was defined as the finished absence of RVU in the isotopic cystography, realized three months after the puncture. RESULTS: The global efficacy of the endoscopic treatment in secondary etiology reflux was lower than the reached one in the treatment of the primary RVU (77.7% against 86.2%) but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p=0,226). We do not also find significant differences on having compared the injected volume and the valuation of resolution of the ebb between the different causes of secondary RVU (p=0.361). We found recurrence in patients with RVU due to lower urinary tract dysfunction (4.34%). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of the secondary VUR is a minimally invasive skill, presents scarce morbidity and it is effective in chosen patients. The risk of a long term recurrence is grater in VUR secondary to functional alterations (neurogenic bladder and functional instability), for what, pursuit has to be established according to the base pathology.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children with neurogenic bladders.

Endoscopic subureteral injection of Teflon was performed in 12 children (20 ureters) with neurogenic bladders and vesicoureteral reflux (grades III-IV). Follow-up evaluation by ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrogram at three-month intervals up to two years revealed successful correction of the reflux in 70 percent of the ureters.

Treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux in children with neuropathic bladder: a comparison of surgical and endoscopic correction.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) is a common problem in children with neuropathic bladder. Lesser-degree VUR may be manageable by intermittent catheterization or by anticholinergics, but higher grades usually require surgical treatment. If left untreated, two thirds of such patients may experience deterioration of the upper renal tracts. The aim of this study was to compare the results of the STING (Subureteric Teflon Injection) technique with surgical ureteric reimplantation as treatment for VUR in neuropathic bladder. METHODS: From January 1981 to December 1996, 58 children with NB (81 ureters) were treated for VUR. STING and Cohen ureteroneocystotomy were performed in 40 and 41 ureters, respectively. Mean age was 4.5 years (STING) and 5.1 years (Cohen). RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 40 refluxing ureters (72.5%) were cured by STING, whereas Cohen eradicated reflux in 39 of 41 ureters (95.5%). No complications were observed in either group. All the ureters in which STING failed were treated successfully by Cohen ureteroneocystostomy. The 2 ureters still refluxing after surgical reimplantation were cured successfully by a single STING. The mean follow-up was 6.8 years in the Cohen group and 4.8 years in the STING group. During follow-up, no recurrence was observed in patients cured by open reimplantation. In the STING group, 2 previously cured ureters showed recurrence of VUR: both were treated successfully by a further STING. CONCLUSIONS: Open ureteral reimplantation is more effective than STING in correcting VUR in children with neuropathic bladder dysfunction. Nevertheless, the good success rate, the relative technical simplicity, outpatient nature, and rapid recovery point to STING as a safe and effective procedure for the initial treatment of VUR. Failure of STING does not preclude a successful open operation.

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

Transurethral injection of Teflon paste (TUI) was carried out in 24 ureters of 16 patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) secondary to neurogenic bladder dysfunction at an age ranging from 4 to 77 years, and the results were compared with those of conventional open surgery. During the mean follow-up period of 20.1 months, reflux disappeared in 19 ureters (79%), so that the success rate of endoscopic operation was considered to be satisfactory as compared with that of conventional open surgery, in which reflux disappeared in 16 (80%) of 20 ureters in 16 patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction at our department. No exacerbation of hydronephrosis was observed postoperatively, and no complication was noted. This procedure, which is minimally invasive and technically simple, may be regarded as the first choice for VUR secondary to neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

[Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureterorenal reflux in the child]. / Die endoskopische Behandlung des vesikoureterorenalen Refluxes beim Kind.

In the first part of this review reflux per se and its conventional surgical therapy are presented. Then the minimally invasive, endoscopic subureteral injection is discussed as an alternative treatment of reflux. Last, the advantages and disadvantages of the substances used are evaluated. In the second part our experience with endoscopic subureteral collagen injection is presented and the results are critically analysed.

[Transurethral teflon paste injection for vesicoureteral reflux in neurogenic bladder dysfunction].

We experienced transurethral teflon paste injection for 12 refluxing ureters of 7 patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Preoperative assessment of cystometry showed hypoactive bladder function with normal bladder compliance in 4 patients, and low compliance bladder (< 10 ml/cmH2O) in 1. Voiding cystography revealed grade 1 reflux in 2 ureters, grade 2 in 3, grade 3 in 2, grade 4 in 2, and grade 5 in 2. One ureter did not show reflux. Zero point two to 1.6 ml of teflon paste was injected on each ureter under cystoscopic observation. These patients were followed for a mean of 25.1 months. Reflux disappeared immediately after the first operations in all patients, however recurrence was observed in 2 ureters, in which improvement of reflux (grade 5 to 2) was achieved in 1 ureter but no improvement (grade 2 to 2) in another. Pyelonephritis was not encountered in any patients after injection. No complication was observed through the follow up period. In conclusion, we advocate that endoscopic teflon paste injection is a useful alternative to ureteroneocystostomy in the treatment of reflux in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

[Symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in kidney transplantation: results of endoscopic injections of teflon and predictive factors for success]. / Reflux vésico-urétéral symptomatique chez le transplanté rénal: résultats des injections endoscopiques de téflon et facteurs prédictifs de succès.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the results of endoscopic Teflon injections for the treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux in renal transplant recipients and identification of prognostic factors. POPULATION AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and January 2002, out of a series of 408 renal transplant recipients, 15 patients (8 males, 7 females) with a mean age of 41.9 years were treated for symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux on the transplanted kidney by endoscopic Teflon injection. This treatment was indicated due to the presence of febrile or afebrile infections, possibly associated with deterioration of renal function. Reflux was demonstrated by retrograde cystography. The results of endoscopic treatment were evaluated by cystography at 3 months, and by clinical and laboratory examinations thereafter. RESULTS: The mean interval between renal transplantation and endoscopic treatment was 64.2 +/- 64.7 months. With a mean follow-up of 25 +/- 16.7 months, we observed a 53.3% success rate (8 patients), 13.3% of patients (2 patients) were improved and 33.3% of procedures were considered to be failures (5 patients). A lower number of preoperative infections, reflux < or = grade III and the absence of impaired renal function are predictive factors for the success of endoscopic treatment. The only complication was one case of renal colic due to meatal stenosis at 3 months, which responded favourably to endoscopic treatment alone. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux on a transplanted kidney by Teflon injection is effective in two-thirds of cases. Due to the low morbidity of this minimally invasive procedure, this treatment should be proposed as first-line management for all cases of symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux on a transplanted kidney.

[Endoscopic treatment of residual vesico-ureteral reflux after reimplantation in children: twelve cases]. / Traitement endoscopique du reflux vésico-urétéral résiduel après réimplantation chez l'enfant: a propos de 12 observations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteric reflux in children persisting after surgical reimplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 12 children between the ages of 17 and 103 months were treated by endoscopic injection after failure of Cohen ureterovesical reimplantation. An associated uropathy was present in 4 children. Reflux was unilateral in every case. The operation was performed as a day-only procedure. All children were reviewed at 3 months. RESULTS: No early complications were observed. The follow-up cystography was normal in 10 children. The same degree of reflux persisted in 2 children, requiring a second ureterovesical reimplantation. A meatal stricture occurred 2 years after injection. The mean follow-up was 24.7 months. The success rate of the technique was 75% in this series. CONCLUSION: This technique is reliable, simple and can be performed in the day hospital. However, these good results must not mask the risk of long-term recurrence, requiring prolonged surveillance.

[Results of endoscopic treatment of primary vesico-ureteral reflux with a follow-up of 2-5 years]. / Résultats du traitement endoscopique du reflux vésico-urétéral primitif avec un recul de 2 à 5 ans.

34 patients treated by endoscopic injection of Teflon for vesico-ureteric reflux were reviewed with a follow-up of 2 to 5 years. 45 of the 48 treated ureters showed no signs of reflux, i.e. 93.7% medium-term success rate. 3 cases of reflux recurred after two years and 2 of them were successfully reinjected. There were no upper urinary tract complications. Endoscopic injection of Teflon appears to be a reliable alternative to open surgery.

[The efficacy of endoscopic treatment for secondary vesicoureteral reflux. Analysis of a series of 142 cases]. / Eficacia del tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral secundario. Analisis de una serie de 142 casos.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the rate of secondary or complicated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) among the total number of VUR cases treated in our institution. To determine the efficacy of the endoscopic treatment in secondary or complicated VUR depending on etiology and grade. METHOD: We review our experience with endoscopic treatment for VUR from 1992 to 2006. We have used three different materials: polytetrafluoroethylen (Teflon), polydimethyls iloxane (Macroplastique) and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux). 479 ureters with VUR were treated in 402 patients; 124 patients and 142 ureters of them were secondary or complicated VUR cases. All patients were followed up with urinary tract ultrasound and radiological or isotopic voiding cystogram. Success is defined as VUR disappearance or improvement to grade I VUR without urinary infection after removing antibiotic prophylaxis. RESULTS: The success rate has been 71.13% after the first injection, 85.92% after the second injection and 90.14% after the third injection. Mean subureteral dose has been 0.65 ml. The complications rate has been 0%. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic treatment in secondary or complicated VUR is a minimally invasive procedure. It seems to be more difficult than in primary VUR cases, but its low morbidity and efficacy indicate this may be a proper first option in selected patients. In cases of VUR secondary to neurogenic bladder dysfunction it seems to be less successful, probably because of a worse control of the high bladder pressure.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux associated with ureterocele.

PURPOSE: We determined the value of endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux associated with ureterocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1984 to 2005, 109 children with a median age of 6 months underwent endoscopic ureterocele puncture. Ureterocele presented as a part of a duplex system in 97 of patients (89%) and as part of a single system in 12 (11%). Vesicoureteral reflux was seen to the lower ipsilateral moiety in 53 patients and in 32 contralateral kidneys (85 refluxing renal units). Puncture was performed with a 3Fr Bugbee electrode. High grade vesicoureteral reflux or breakthrough infection while on antibiotic prophylaxis served as the indication for the surgical correction of vesicoureteral reflux. Median followup after endoscopic correction was 10 years (range 1 to 21). RESULTS: Spontaneous vesicoureteral reflux resolution following successful ureterocele puncture was seen in 36 of the 85 refluxing renal units (42%) and in 5 (6%) reflux was downgraded. The latter patients were withdrawn from antibiotic prophylaxis and they did well. A total of 33 refluxing renal units with vesicoureteral reflux into the lower moiety of the ureterocele kidney and 11 contralateral refluxing renal units underwent endoscopic correction. Reflux was corrected in 31 of the 44 refluxing renal units (70%) after a single injection and it resolved after a second injection in another 9 (21%). In 4 refluxing renal units (9%) endoscopic correction failed and open reimplantation was done. Of the 109 patients (13%) 14 had vesicoureteral reflux to the ureterocele moiety following endoscopic puncture. Of those patients endoscopic correction resolved reflux in 3, reflux resolved spontaneously in 5 and upper pole partial nephrectomy was performed in 4 due to a nonfunctioning moiety. The remaining 2 patients did well without antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux associated with ureterocele is a simple, long-term effective and safe procedure, avoiding the need for open surgery in the majority of patients following endoscopic puncture of ureterocele.