Endoscopic Management of Ureteral Strictures: an Update

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review focuses on the role of endoscopic treatment of ureteral stricture disease (USD) in the era of minimally invasive surgery.Recent FindingsThere is a relative paucity of recent literature regarding the endoscopic treatment of USD. Laser endopyelotomy and balloon dilation are associated with good outcomes in treatment-na ïve patients with short (<  2 cm), non-ischemic, benign ureteral strictures with a functional renal unit. If stricture recurs, repetitive dilation and laser endopyleotomy is not recommended, as success rates are low in this scenario. Patients with low-complexity ureteroenteric strictures and transplant strictures may benef it from endoscopic treatment options, although formal reconstruction offers higher rates of success.SummaryFormal ureteral reconstruction remains the gold-standard treatment for ureteral stricture disease as it is associated with higher rates of complete resolution. However, in carefully selected patients, endoscopic treatment modalities provide a low-cost, low-morbidity alternative.
Source: Current Urology Reports - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research