[Antegrade percutaneous endoluminal therapy of nonmalignant strictures of ureterointestinal anastomoses after urinary diversion].

We report our experience on the use of antegrade percutaneous incision of ureterointestinal anastomosis strictures after urinary diversion. Since 1994, we evaluated 9 patients with 12 ureterointestinal anastomosis (UAS) strictures who were treated with a cold-knife incision. After placement of an 8-Fr nephrostomy tube, a 0.035-in guide wire was passed through the stricture under guidance of a central opened ureter catheter (5 Fr). A wire-mounted cold-knife was pulled through the strictured area in the retrograde way under fluoroscopic control. Routinely, following the incision, an 8-Fr external stent was left in place for 6-8 weeks. After removal of the stent, the ureteroenteric area remained patent in 7 UAS (58%) cases versus 7 of 9 (78%) patients, with average follow-up of 18 months (range 13-25 months). Failures were associated with radiogenic injury of the ureter in three UAS cases and unexplained in two. No complication was observed. Percutaneous endourological management of ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures with the cold-knife incision is a safe and effective alternative to open surgical repair and should be tried as an initial approach.