RETROGRADE BALLOON DILATATION FOR PELVIURETERIC JUNCTION OBSTRUCTION - LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

The results of 10 years' experience of treating pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction by balloon dilatation are reviewed, and recommendat ions about the suitability of the technique for individual patients ar e made based on the patient's history and a preoperative DTPA renogram , Of 76 patients, 32 (42%) had no further symptoms after balloon dilat ation, Six (8% continued to have mild loin pain only. In 33 patients ( 43%), there was no improvement in symptoms, split renal function, or d rainage. Of this group, 21 patients (28%) underwent repeat balloon dil atation, Nine (12% became asymptomatic, and a further four (5%) had on ly minimal residual symptoms, The overall success rate of the procedur e in terms of symptomatic abolition or improvement thus was 67%, Patie nts with <25% function in the affected kidney preoperatively or who ha d undergone a previous pyeloplasty were the most likely to require add itional treatment, No deaths were recorded, and morbidity was minimal.