EFFICACY OF A NEW ENDOURETEROTOMY BALLOON FOR THE TREATMENT OF BENIGNURETERAL STRICTURES USING THE PORCINE MODEL

Objectives. Endoureterotomy and balloon dilation are techniques that h ave shown promise as treatment modalities for benign ureteral strictur e disease. In this animal investigation, the results of a new endouret erotomy balloon that simultaneously incises and dilates the ureteral s tricture via a retrograde approach are discussed. Methods. Using the f emale pig model, 9 subjects with benign ureteral strictures were treat ed: 7 with the endoureterotomy balloon and 2 with balloon dilation onl y. Results. Success based on radiologic parameters and Whitaker testin g was obtained in 5 of the 7 animals treated by endoureterotomy. In bo th animals treated by balloon dilation only, recurrent ureteral strict ure disease developed. Conclusions. This preliminary investigation sug gests that this new device may be an effective treatment for benign ur eteral stricture disease and that further study in clinical trials is warranted.