Objectives: Neoplasic obstruction of the ureter is observed in patients with pelvic or extra-pelvic cancer. Indications of upper urinary tract drainage need to be clarified.
Methods: Percutaneous nephrostomy or double J catheter drainage was performed in 104 patients with ureteral 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 this procedure was impossible, percutaneous nephrostomy was always performed. In 52 cases we attempted to convert the nephrostomy to double J catheter drainage. Success rate was 68.8%. The main complications observed were ineffective drainage (12.5%) and infection (10.5%).
Conclusion: These patients have a mean survival of 6.8 months despite the chemotherapy which is facilitated by the improved renal function.