CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF URETERIC DILATATION

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 56  (5) , 460-463
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of ureteric dilatation (performed as a prelude to rigid ureteroscopy) on the vesicoureteric mechanism in experimental animals and man. Through a vesicotomy the left uretericorifices of 10 anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were dilated .apprx. 3-fold (to 4-5F) using Seldinger wires and gradated cannulae. Serial i.v. urograms and histological examination of the excised vesicoureteric junctions were performed at intervals of 2 wk. Histologically, acute inflammatory changes were noted at 24 h, but at 2-8 wk the histological appearances were normal. Radiologically, transient upper tract dilatation was noted in 3 animals. In 10 patients, i.v. urograms and micturating cystograms were performed 3 mo. after ureteric dilatation to 14F (prior to ureteroscopy). One asymptomatic patient had grade 1 vesicoureteric reflux but no other radiological abnormalities were found. Ureteric dilatation evidently is a safe procedure which merits reassessment as a urological technique.