Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy
Alternative Names: Biopsy - brush - urinary tract; Retrograde ureteral brush biopsy cytology; Cytology - ureteral retrograde brush biopsy
Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy is a procedure in which tissue from the kidney or ureter (tube that connects a kidney to the bladder) is removed for examination.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test is used to take a sample of tissue from the kidney (renal pelvis or calyx) or ureter. It is performed when an x-ray or other test has shown a suspicious area (lesion), or there are suspicious cells in the urine.
How is the Test Performed?
This procedure is performed using regional (spinal) or general anesthesia. The test takes about 30 - 60 minutes.
A long, thin tube (cystoscope) is first placed through the urethra into the bladder. Then a guide wire is inserted through the cystoscope into the ureter (the tube between the bladder and kidney).
The cystoscope is removed, leaving the guide wire in place. A small camera used to see the inside of the ureter and kidney (ureteroscope) is then inserted over or next to the guide wire.
A nylon or steel brush is placed through the ureteroscope. The suspicious area is rubbed with the brush. Biopsy forceps may be used instead to collect a tissue sample.
The brush or biopsy forceps is removed. The tissue is taken from the instrument and sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The instrument and guide wire are completely removed from the body.
Preparation for the Test
Fasting for about 6 hours is generally recommended. Your health care provider will advise you on specific preparations you will need to make.
How will the Test Feel?
After the test is over, you may have some mild cramping or discomfort. Some burning may occur the first few times you empty your bladder. You may also see some blood in your urine for a few days after the procedure.
Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy Risks
- Allergy to anesthetic
- Bleeding
- Infection (urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis, or sepsis)
- Hole (perforation) in the ureter
Tell your health care provider if you have any allergies to seafood, as these may cause allergic reactions if the contrast dye used during this test is given through a vein (intravenous line).
Considerations
This test should not be performed in people with acute urinary tract infection or a blockage at or below the biopsy site.
After the test, watch for abdominal pain or flank pain. Report excessive pain, fever, or chills to your health care provider immediately.
A small amount of blood in the urine is normal the first few times you urinate after the procedure. Your urine may look faintly pink. Report very bloody urine or bleeding that lasts longer than three emptyings of the bladder to your health care provider.
Normal Results for Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy
The tissue appears normal.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may show cancerous cells (carcinoma). This test is often used to tell the difference between cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) lesions.
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Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2012 A.D.A.M., Inc.
