NEOPLASIC OBSTRUCTION OF THE URETER - DRA INAGE BY PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROSTOMY OR DOUBLE-J STENT

Objectives: Neoplasic obstruction of the ureter is observed in patient s with pelvic or extra-pelvic cancer, Indications of upper urinary tra ct drainage need to be clarified. Methods: Percutaneous nephrostomy or double J catheter drainage was performed in 104 patients with uretera l obstruction due to pelvic cancer (bladder, prostate, uterus, ovary, rectum) or extra-pelvic cancer (usually breast and digestive cancers), Percutaneous nephrostomy or double J catheter was the first drainage procedure in 85 and 76 patients respectively. Results: Success rate in first intention drainage was 74.5% with the double J catheter, When t his procedure was impossible, percutaneous nephrostomy was always perf ormed. In 52 cases we attempted to convert the nephrostomy to double J catheter drainage, Success rate was 68.8%, The main complications obs erved were ineffective drainage (12.5%) and infection (10.5%). Conclus ion: These patients have a mean survival of 6.8 months despite the che motherapy which is facilitated by the improved renal function.