Subcutaneous port for longterm access and administration of topical chemotherapy to the upper urinary tract

Fourteen silicone pigtail catheters were inserted into the renal pelves of ten 25 kg. pigs. These catheters were connected to injection ports implanted in the flank. Each animal received 15 mg. of thiotepa, into one port, weekly for 8 weeks. These were well tolerated. Percutaneous radiography and histological examination showed effective distribution of thiotepa throughout the upper urinary tract. Microscopic changes included cytoplasmic vacuolation, cystic changes and denudation of the mucosa. There was edema and chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the submucosa. This method of access to the upper tracts should be considered for long-term recurrent treatment of upper tract superficial transitional cell carcinoma.