Ureteral endosplints: a quiet revolution of urological treatment.

During the last decade ureteral endosplints have dramatically changed the management, urgency and risks of urinary drainage for benign and malignant hydronephrosis. In 38 cases with retroperitoneal fibrosis effective urinary drainage with endosplints was combined with cortisone/azathioprin-therapy and practically excluded the need for surgery. In 30 pregnant women with hydronephrosis, splints prevented surgery and abortion. During surgery, postoperatively and before ESWL splints solved various drainage problems. In 25 patients with tumour-induced hydronephrosis splints generally allowed for a comfortable survival time. The prerequisits and limits of medical decisions in respect to urinary drainage of malignant hydronephrosis are outlined.