To study the procedure and results of cold cutting of ureteral stenosis with endoscopic scissors. Intrinsic or extrinsic ureteral stenosis can be congenital or acquired. Endoscopic dilation and incision is 1 potential option for ureteral intrinsic stenosis.

During a 3-year period (2005-2007), a prospective study was performed of cold cutting of ureteral stenosis with endoscopic scissors in 17 consecutive patients (11 women and 6 men), aged 22-64 years. Of the 17 patients, 6 had been diagnosed with proximal ureteral stenosis, 3 with iliac ureteral stenosis, and 8 with pelvic ureteral stenosis. The procedure was performed with a semirigid 8.5Ch ureteroscope, catheterizing and dilation of the stenosis with a balloon catheter, cold cutting of the ureteral wall with scissors, including margins of healthy tissue at both ends of the stenosis, and a 6F double-J ureteral stent for 6 weeks.

The results were evaluated after 3 months with urography in 15 cases and diuretic renography in 2 cases. Analysis of the postoperative complications and urography was done at 12-24 months. Immediate success was obtained after the first endoscopic ureterotomy with scissors in 16 of 17 cases (94%). At 12-24 months, success was maintained in 88.5% of cases.

Cold cutting of ureteral stenosis with endoscopic scissors is a safe technique for the patient. This procedure could be a therapeutic option in cases of benign intrinsic ureteral stenosis of <15 mm.