Transrenal ureteral occlusion using a detachable balloon.

Percutaneous transrenal ureteral occlusion using a detachable balloon filled with silicone was performed in 20 patients. The main indications were palliation of large urinary fistulas and as a treatment of last resort for severe dysuria in patients with advanced pelvic malignancies. In 6 patients the contralateral kidney was rendered nonfunctional to obviate the need for bilateral nephrostomy. Due to frequent obstruction of the tube, ureteral blockage in 3 became insufficient. Two dislocated balloons were extracted percutaneously and replaced. In order to achieve effective interruption of urinary flow down the ureter, well-functioning external nephrostomy drainage is necessary.