Abstract
Background:
The cephalad migration of proximal ureteral calculi accounts for a high percentage of ureteroscopic failures.
Patients and Methods:
A balloon on a wire is a single-channel 0.038-inch hollow guidewire with a low-profile balloon, which is inflatable to 12F. Forty-two consecutive patients with proximal ureteral calculi underwent ureteroscopy with the aid of this device.
Results:
Twenty-nine patients had successful placement of the balloon on a wire above the stone. Of those 29 patients, 26 became stone free with a single procedure.
Conclusion:
The balloon on a wire is a useful tool to aid in the prevention of proximal ureteral stone migration during ureteroscopy and to minimize the number of secondary procedures. In addition, it appears to be cost-effective.
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