Endopyelotomy. Prognostic factors and patient selection.

Although clearly a valid alternative to dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults, endo(uretero)pyelotomy has not been universally accepted in the general urologic community because of the 10% to 30% inferior success rate and the concern regarding hemorrhagic complications. Identification of prognostic factors for success and complications are therefore of primary importance. The length of stricture, the grade of hydronephrosis, and the level of renal function are well recognized prognostic factors. Crossing vessels also play a role, and in association with the grade of hydronephrosis, they seem to be a major prognosticator of outcome. With attention to such prognostic factors, and appropriate patient selection, results can now approach the gold standard of dismembered pyeloplasty.