Glide wires for delayed catheterization of severely obstructed ureters

Objective: Failure to retrogradely catheterize an obstructed ureter may req uire a nephrostomy. We describe an endoscopic technique to catheterize a se verely obstructed ureter when the obstruction does not permit passage of a ureteral catheter over a wire. Methods: Using a cystoscope, a wire is passed beyond the obstruction, When the attempt to insert a ureteral catheter over the wire fails, the wire is left in place, fixed externally to a Foley catheter, A second attempt to in sert a ureteral catheter is carried out 24-48 h later. Results: The procedure was performed in 5 patients. Ureteral catheterizatio n, which was initially impossible, was performed successfully and without c omplications. Conclusions: Maintaining a wire in place over a short period of time facili tates a subsequent ureteral catheterization. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger A G, Basel.