[Experiences with lavage cytology from renal pelvis and ureter (author's transl)]

In 41 cases of roentgenologic filling defects in renal pelvis and ureter, which could not be determined exactly preoperatively, we could confirm the diagnostic value of cytology from washings of renal pelvis and ureter (lavage cytology), especially in preoperative diagnosis of carcinoma of renal pelvis and ureter. Ten of fourteen tumors (71%) were detected by this method. The diagnostic reliability increased with tumor-stage and was more accurate than the normal exfoliative urinary cytology. In five cases of hypernephromas invading the renal pelvis lavage cytology was not successful and we had obtained only false negative results. In roentgenologic filling defects that were not tumor-induced especially uric acid stones, inflammatory processes, blood clots and renal cysts, we had no false positive results. Our findings are discussed together with the literature.