URETERAL PROFILOMETRY - A STUDY OF THE URETERAL PRESSURE PROFILE IN THE NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL URETER

The ureteric pressure profile in the normal and pathologic ureter was studied. A 3F ureteric catheter was introduced through the ureteric or ifice up to the mid-renal pelvis, and was connected to a pressure tran sducer. 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 ri se at the UPJ followed by a drop and fluctuations representing the per istaltic waves, and ended with a peak rise at the UVJ. The strictured moderately dilated ureter showed peristaltic waves with irregular rhyt hm and pressure amplitude, a condition we call ''ureteroarrhythmia''. The hugely dilated ureter exhibited no waves, i.e. a ''silent'' profil e. The refluxing ureter with normal caliber showed an ureteroarrhythmi c pressure profile, while the dilated ureter exhibited either a ureter oarrhythmic or a silent pattern. The study could define a characterist ic profilometric pattern for the normal ureter. Two pathologic pattern s could be identified: ureteroarrhythmic and silent. Ureteric pressure profilometry is suggested acts as a diagnostic tool in the various pa thologic conditions of the ureter.