Urological Practice and Riochemistry

Abstract

The marked advances in the medical sciences have been the result of cooperative efforts in the fields of clinical investigation and laboratory research. These achievements have been accomplished largely by tedious investigations which prove fruitless more often than fruitful. In the field of urology alone, in which we are particularly interested, many of the advances have been direct results of investigations in the chemical laboratory. Without any attempt to review the vast literature, some of the more practical results of collaborative efforts between urologists and biochemists will be discussed.

It is not possible here to mention the multitude of biochemical tests for the analyses of blood and urine which are of diagnostic as well as prognostic value in urological practice. Most of these tests are also useful in general medical practice. At present, we will mention only some of those tests which are of special urological interest.

Diodrast has been a very useful chemical in the making of pyelograms. It is nontoxic and its intravenous administration is not followed by any serious reaction. It can readily be used in the making of pyelograms in small children or infants. Under many circumstances when retrograde pyelography is contraindicated, a roentgenogram can be obtained following the intravenous injection of diodrast. When used in making retrograde pyelograms, it is much more satisfactory than sodium iodide because it is less irritating to the delicate mucous membranes of the urinary tract.

Various chemicals have been made which are of tremendous importance in the determination of kidney. . .