Comparison of ureteral washing and biopsy specimens in the community setting

Ureteral lesions can be difficult to diagnose. The value of ureteral biopsy in addition to ureteral washings has not been defined clearly.

All ureteral washings and biopsies with follow-up that were performed at a single institution were reviewed.

In total, 39 patients underwent ureteral washing, ureteral biopsy, or both and had follow-up: Eighteen patients had urothelial tumors at follow-up (14 high-grade carcinomas, 3 low-grade carcinomas, and 1 papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential). The sensitivity was 79% for washings and 71% for biopsies (P = 1.0), for a combined sensitivity of 100%. Biopsies often were scant, and cell blocks from biopsies and washings often were of value.

Ureteral washings and biopsies had similar sensitivity and appeared to be complementary. Cell blocks often are useful for both specimen types.