CPT® Code 50396

Manometric studies through nephrostomy or pyelostomy tube, or indwelling ureteral catheter, commonly referred to as a Whitaker test, are diagnostic procedures used to assess the pressures within the renal pelvis and ureter. These studies are particularly important for evaluating persistent upper urinary tract dilatation, which may occur in patients who have previously undergone surgical interventions aimed at relieving obstructions in the upper urinary tract. The procedure is also utilized to determine the patency of an indwelling ureteral catheter, ensuring that the catheter is functioning properly and allowing for adequate drainage. During the procedure, a bladder catheter is inserted through the urethra, and the area surrounding an existing nephrostomy or pyelostomy tube is meticulously cleansed with an antibacterial solution to minimize the risk of infection. This careful preparation is crucial for the accuracy of the study and the safety of the patient. The procedure involves connecting the nephrostomy tube and bladder catheter to a pressure transducer to obtain baseline pressure readings, followed by the perfusion of saline or contrast solution into the kidney to measure serial pressures. The results of these studies provide valuable insights into the functionality of the urinary tract and guide further clinical decision-making.