RIGID URETEROSCOPIC ENDOPYELOTOMY WITHOUT EXTERNAL DRAINAGE

Recent advances in urologic instrument technology and endourologic techniques have made it possible to operate on internal organs using minimally invasive surgery. The approach to the pelviureteric junction (PUJ) has classically involved major open surgery. Percutaneous endopyelotomy has been described more recently for the relief of PUJ obstruction. Rigid ureterorenoscopic treatment has also been described, but now a modified ureterotome (Olympus) simplifies the procedure, and drainage is by internal stenting. With the development of dedicated instruments, ureteroscopic endopyelotomy without external drainage should be considered the initial operation of choice for the treatment of PUJ obstruction in the adult.