Radiologic examination of the ureteral stump

The ureteral stump left after nephrectomy or cystoplasty does not become sclerotic and its lumen remains patent. Its functional and its lumen activity diminishes. However, it maintains its structure due to the thick arteriovenous vascularization, to the periureteral lymphatics, and to the innervation deriving from the autonomic nervous system which ensures residual peristalsis (Tuengerthal 1976). Owing to the fact that the trophism and potentiality of the stump are maintained and it may possibly resume its function even after several years (Chatelain 1976). Occasionally pathological processes may arise in the ureteral stum at any time after surgery. They occur with largely varied symtoms (Malek 1971). The processes may either arise in a previously normal stump or be the natural evolution of pathology of the ureter already present at the moment of surgery.