Ureteral Retrograde Brush Biopsy Cytology

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How is the Test Performed?

This procedure is performed using regional (spinal) or general anesthesia. The test will take about 30 to 60 minutes.

A cystoscope (a long, thin tube) is placed through your urethra into the bladder. A guide wire is inserted through the cystoscope and into your ureter (tube between the bladder and kidney).

The cystoscope is then removed, leaving the guide wire in place. A ureteroscope (small camera to visualize the inside of the ureter and kidney) is passed over or beside the guide wire.

Once the suspect area is identified, a nylon or steel brush or biopsy forceps is placed through the ureteroscope and the lesion is rubbed with the brush, or a sample is collected with the biopsy forceps. When the brush or biopsy forceps is removed, the tissue from the lesion is removed from the instrument and the instrument and guide wire are completely removed from the body. The tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.