An experimental technique for renal intrapelvic access.

This study describes an experimental technique for insertion of an indwelling cannula into the canine renal pelvis, and demonstrates its use in the measurement of pelviureteric pressure and motility, creatinine clearance, Whitaker tests, nephrostograms and nephrostomy drainage. The system, which consists of cannula, Heplock and plastic fixation disc, has been inserted into 53 canine kidneys (48) dogs, and percutaneous needle passage into the subcutaneously placed Heplock was used to gain access to the renal pelvis. This technique was successful in virtually all cases (131 separate procedures), and there were few complications. The indwelling intrapelvic cannula is a simple, cheap and reliable method of gaining longterm renal intrapelvic access in the dog, and has many experimental applications.