[Acute ureteral obstruction (renal colic)]

Abstract

Acute ureteral obstruction is always associated with high intrapelvic hydrostatic pressure. Objective diagnosis of renal colic can be made by direct measurement of intrapelvic pressure (IPP). We propose a very simple device for estimation of IPP consisting of ureteral catheter and polyethylene tube 150 cm long. The device gives intrapelvic pressure in centimeters of urinary column. The figures obtained corresponded to those in measurement of IPP in cm of water column. In normal 187 examinees IPP ranged from 0.5 to 14.2 cm urinary column. Mean normal IPP in females was higher than in males. In 187 patients with renal colic IPP varied from 55 to 150 cm of urinary column. Mean IPP at the height of renal colic was in females and males 97.4 +/- 3.0 and 89.8 +/- 2.5 cm of urinary column, respectively. Thus, IPP in health and renal colic is higher in females than in males. In bilateral renal colic and colic in solitary kidney catheterization of the ureter is mandatory because of anuria. Ureteral catheterization is also indicated in cases of renal colic combination with attack of acute pyelonephritis. If ureteral catheterization is indicated, IPP pressure should be measured. This is important for diagnosis of both acute ureteral obstruction and pathogenesis of anuria.