Ureteric profilometry. A study of the ureteric pressure profile in the normal and pathologic ureter.
The ureteric pressure profile in the normal and pathologic ureter was studied. A 3F ureteric catheter was introduced through the ureteric orifice up to the mid-renal pelvis, and was connected to a pressure transducer. The catheter was pulled down to the urinary bladder and during withdrawal the pressures in the renal pelvis, uretero-pelvic junction (UPJ), ureter, ureterovesical junction (UVJ) and urinary bladder were recorded. The normal ureteric pressure profile started with a peak rise at the UPJ followed by a drop and fluctuations representing the peristaltic waves, and ended with a peak rise at the UVJ. The strictured moderately dilated ureter showed peristaltic waves with irregular rhythm and pressure amplitude, a condition we call "ureteroarryhthmia". The hugely dilated ureter exhibited no waves, i.e. a "silent" profile. The refluxing ureter with normal caliber showed an ureteroarrhythmic pressure profile, while the dilated ureter exhibited either a ureteroarrhythmic or a silent pattern. The study could define a characteristic profilometric pattern for the normal ureter. Two pathologic patterns could be identified: ureteroarrhythmic and silent. Ureteric pressure profilometry is suggested acts as a diagnostic tool in the various pathologic conditions of the ureter.
Shafik
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Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D014513:Ureter / Q000502:physiology*; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014718:Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*