The Abnormal Ureter in Children: I Perfusion Studies on the Wide Non-Refluxing Ureter

The activity of the wide, non-refluxing ureter in children was studied by intraluminal pressure measurement and perfusion. Some patients were examined by electroureterography. In order to avoid obstruction in the terminal part of the ureter, catheters were introduced into the ureter by puncture during operation. The ureter was perfused via the catheters and the reactions to different flows and bladder pressures were studied. Eight measurements were performed on patients without previous bladder obstruction and 4 on patients with such previous obstruction. Both categories included patients in whom no intraureteric obstruction to flow was observed. In other cases ureteric stasis was present, either independent of the degree of filling of the bladder or only when the bladder was filling. All ureters showed contractility. The importance of the findings for investigation and therapy in these rare cases is discussed.