Endoureteral ablation: A novel technique to occlude the ureter in patients with urinary tract fistulae.

Urinary fistulae are abnormal connections between the urinary system and adjacent body parts, often resulting from factors such as infection, radiation, malignancy, protracted labor, gynecologic surgery, and gastrointestinal tract surgery. These fistulae can lead to persistent urinary incontinence, skin breakdown, social humiliation, psychosocial trauma, and severe infections. Current treatments include surgical repair, urinary diversion, and ureteral embolization, though these can have complications and are not always successful or feasible for all patients.