OUR NEW METHOD FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF “PYELOURETEROSCOPE” INTO URETER

Abstract

The authors have reported on the observations of the upper urinary tract by their own “Pyeloureteroscope” which is passed transurethrally. One of the great problems in this procedure is that “Pyeloureteroscope” is not so easily passed into ureter as usual ureteral catheters, because it is flexible with outer plastic coating and its diameter is much larger than that of the routinely used ureteral catheter. Besides these facts, it is prohibited to push it into ureter forcefully, as glass fibers are easily broken by flexing power.
In order to solve this problem, the authors have developed a new procedure using a plastic guide tube. Firstly, a plastic guide tube measuring 3mm in diameter is placed into bladder via our new cystoscope specially made for “Pyeloureteroscope”. No. 7 ureteral catheter is introduced into ureter while lifting the guide tube by the cystoscope lever. Following the insertion of No. 7 ureteral catheter, the guide tube is pushed into the same ureter along the ureteral catheter for several centimeters. Then, the ureteral catheter is taken out and “Pyeloureteroscope” is replaced for it (see Figure 3). The authors believe this is a very easy and reliable method. Another advantage of this method is that a side way from the guide tube can be used as a irrigating channel to obtain clear view.
With the aid of this method, the authors have brought a great progress toward the daily practical use of “Pyeloureteroscope”.