Epidemiology of Infantile Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in the US

Surgical intervention and long-term renal outcomes of congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a young adult cohort

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of surgical intervention on long-term renal outcomes for adult patients with congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).

METHODS

We queried service members diagnosed with UPJO from the United States Military Health System electronic health records from 2005 to 2020. We assessed demographic, laboratory, radiology, surgical intervention, and outcome data. We evaluated the impact of surgical intervention on renal function based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension (HTN, defined as any prescription for blood pressure [BP] medication and/or average of two BP readings ≥ 130/80 mmHg more than 2 weeks apart), and changes in renal excretory function on radionuclide scans.

RESULTS

We identified 108 individuals diagnosed with congenital UPJO; mean follow-up of 7 years. Mean age at diagnosis was 25 years; 95% male; 69% White, 15% Black. At diagnosis, median BP was 130/78 mmHg and mean eGFR 93 ml/min/1.73m2. Subsequently, 85% had pyeloplasty and 23% had stent placement. There were no significant differences in mean eGFR pre- and post-intervention (94 vs. 93 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively; p = 0.15) and prevalence of defined HTN (59% vs. 61%, respectively; p = 0.20). Surgical intervention for right-sided UPJO significantly reduced the proportion of patients with delayed cortical excretion (54% pre vs. 35% post, p = 0.01) and T½ emptying time (35 min vs. 19 min, p = 0.009). Similar trends occurred with left-sided UPJO but were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention was not associated with significant differences in the long-term outcomes of kidney function and HTN prevalence in our young adult cohort. However, renal excretory function improved on radionuclide scans.

Complex case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction with bifid renal pelvis in ectopic kidney: A rare combination

INTRODUCTION

Renal pelvis bifidity, ectopic pelvic kidney, and ureteropelvic junction obstruction are rare urinary tract anomalies resulting from embryological developmental variations. Their coexistence in one kidney is exceedingly uncommon.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 18-year-old male with no prior medical history presented with right-sided lumbar pain. A CT scan revealed bilateral hydronephrosis, with the left kidney being malrotated and ectopically positioned in the pelvis. Dynamic renal scintigraphy confirmed bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Surgical management involved laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the right UPJ and open surgery for the left ectopic kidney with bifid pelvis.

DISCUSSION

The combination of pelvic kidney, renal pelvis bifidity, and bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction is exceptionally rare. Diagnosis often occurs incidentally or when symptoms related to these anomalies emerge. Imaging and dynamic renal scintigraphy play crucial roles in diagnosis. Individualized surgical management is essential for positive outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the need for individualized management in complex urological cases involving rare anatomical variations. Surgeon experience and a comprehensive understanding of such anomalies are crucial for successful outcomes.