URETERAL FUNCTION IN VESICO‐URETERAL REFLUX

Abstract

SUMMARY Ureteral function has been studied in 27 patients who had vesico‐ureteral reflux demonstrated in 36ureters. 10 ureters the base line trace with the bladder empty was normal and in 26 it was abnormal. In this study ureteral pressure during bladder filling showed an elevation of base line pressure in all 36 ureters. Alterations in pressure waves occurred in amplitude, rate and rhythm in all but the most severely affected ureters, where no recordable function was elicited. The grading of reflux other than by cineradiography does not give an accurate indication of ureteral function except in the most severely affected ureters. Information obtained by dynamic studies may contribute to the selection of patients for conservative or surgical treatment in vesico‐ureteral reflux.