Pediatric pyleoplasty

Diuresis renography in the evaluation and management of pediatric hydronephrosis: What have we learned?

Diuresis renography (DR) is widely used in the evaluation of hydronephrosis and hydroureter in infants and children. The goal of this provocative nuclear imaging examination should be to detect the hydronephrotic kidneys at risk for loss of function and development of pain, hematuria, and urinary tract infection. The reliability of DR is dependent on the acquisition and processing of the data as well as interpretation and utilization of the results. In this review, the key concepts of standardized DR and pitfalls to avoid are highlighted.

Management of fetal hydronephrosis

Prenatally detected hydronephrosis has become a common diagnosis for both pediatric nephrologists and urologists. Hydronephrosis is most commonly assessed by the Society for Fetal Urology grading system or anterior-posterior diameter of the renal pelvis in the transverse plane. Some cases of bilateral obstruction, most commonly from posterior urethral valves, can be life-threatening and require close monitoring or, occasionally, fetal intervention. The majority are unilateral and of no threat to the growing fetus. The crux of postnatal management is the separation of the minority of patients whose renal function is at risk from the majority who will suffer no renal consequences. This management involves a regimen of ultrasounds, voiding cystourethrograms, and nuclear renograms for diagnosis and surveillance. Recent literature has been aimed at the timing and necessity of these studies in order to minimize extraneous studies without compromising renal function.

Surgical treatment and outcome of mega-hydronephrosis due to pelviureteric junction stenosis

To study the surgical treatment and outcome of hydronephrosis secondary to pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJS) that is so massive that the renal pelvis crosses over the vertebral column [mega-hydronephrosis (MH)]. Of the 40 cases of PUJS we treated over the past 5 years, 6 cases had MH secondary to PUJS (MH-PUJS) in 6 renal units and were reviewed. Incidence of MH was 15.0%. All had Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty to treat obstructive renal pattern on technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) scans in five and gait disturbance due to MH in one. The contralateral kidney was normal in five and dysplastic in one. Three had nephrostomy before pyeloplasty. Preoperative DTPA scans showed good renal function in four and poor in two. Plication of the entire dilated, lax renal parenchyma ("nephroplication") was performed in three to decrease the intra-renal pelvic cavity. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in three cases. Mean age at pyeloplasty was 3.5 years and mean duration of follow-up was 1.5 years. Postoperatively, two of the three who did not have nephroplication had prolonged but not obstructed renal pattern on DTPA scans, and the other case who did not have nephroplication had nephrectomy for non-functioning kidney caused by recurrent pyelonephritis 2 years after pyeloplasty. In the three who had nephroplication, DTPA scans showed acceptable to relatively good passage in all cases. The surgical treatment of MH-PUJS is challenging with no fixed guidelines. However, nephroplication may be useful during pyeloplasty to decrease the size of MH-PUJS.

Nephrostomy tube drainage with pyeloplasty: is it necessarily a bad choice?

PURPOSE

Despite continued controversy regarding the optimal method of urinary diversion after dismembered pyeloplasty in children, we have treated the majority of our patients with postoperative nephrostomy tubes and no stents. We report our experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of all patients who underwent surgery for ureteropelvic junction obstruction from August 1985 to October 1998 and were treated only with a nephrostomy tube after pyeloplasty were reviewed for hospital course, complications and postoperative followup. All patients had a perinephric Penrose drain as well as a Foley catheter placed for bladder drainage.

RESULTS

A total of 137 pyeloplasties were performed in 132 patients, including 5 with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, using only nephrostomy tube drainage with an average followup of 2.1 years. Initial nephrostograms demonstrated good drainage across the repair with no extravasation in 91% of patients. Subsequent nephrostograms revealed a widely patent anastomosis in the remaining cases. No patient had postoperative obstruction, or required secondary pyeloplasty or nephrectomy. Urinary tract infection developed in 2 patients (1.5%). Mean hospitalization was 4.4 days. There was a significant difference in length of stay in the last 5 years compared to that in previous years (3.4 versus 5.8 days, p <0.05) and hospital stay continues to decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of only a nephrostomy tube after pyeloplasty resulted in few complications and an open anastomosis in 100% of cases. Nephrostomy drainage not only serves as a protective mechanism, but also allows easy access for radiographic studies before removal of the tube. In addition, nephrostomy tube drainage does not prolong hospitalization and the tube may be easily removed on an outpatient basis without further anesthesia.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. Unique considerations for open operative intervention

The treatment of UPJ obstruction in children should be approached in a fashion that recognizes the differences between children and adults. Radiographic definition of the urinary tract is different in children than in adults because of the size of the child and technical difficulties with instrumentation. Retrograde pyelography, in general, is not necessary in children, although this decision must be individualized. The surgical incision should be chosen based on the size of the child and the unique considerations of individual renal anatomy and pathology, as well as the surgeon's experience. In children, tubeless surgery may be performed with excellent results, however, diversion with nephrostomies and stents may be necessary in selected cases. With attention to technical details and the unique considerations in children, the results of repair of the UPJ should be excellent and reproducible.

Postnatal management of hydronephrosis diagnosed in utero

In this review we identify the causes of antenatal hydronephrosis and detail management options. A large majority of these patients can be treated safely and effectively after birth.

Long-term outcome of kidneys with initially poor drainage or no drainage following pyeloplasty

Pyeloplasty for congenital ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction enjoys a 90-95% success rate. Although treatment of the failed pyeloplasty has been addressed in the literature, management of the poorly draining or nondraining renal unit in the immediate postoperative period has not received any attention. For this purpose the medical records of 33 consecutive children (37 renal units) treated by dismembered pyeloplasty between 1986 and 1992 were reviewed. All of our pyeloplasties were stented and urine was diverted via a nephrostomy tube. All patients underwent a nephrostogram following stent removal 1 week postoperatively. These studies showed poor drainage, or no, across the newly reconstructed anastomosis in 7 of 37 renal units (19%). The ages of these 4 boys and 3 girls at the time of pyeloplasty ranged between 7 weeks and 5 years (mean 22 months). In four patients, good drainage occurred without intervention by 2-4 weeks postoperation. In two patients, percutaneous balloon dilation of the anastomosis via the intraoperatively placed nephrostomy tube was required at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. The remaining patient failed percutaneous dilation, necessitating a ureterocalycostomy at 9 weeks following pyeloplasty. The long-term follow-up for the entire group of 33 children averaged 30 months and consisted of radionuclide diuresis renography in 84% of cases or intravenous pyelography in the remainder. All patients had excellent long-term outcomes as assessed by comparison of the postoperative studies with the baseline studies obtained preoperatively. Our results show that kidneys with initially poor drainage, or even no drainage, across the newly reconstructed anastomosis following pyeloplasty can be salvaged with an excellent long-term outcome comparable with that of the group with initially good drainage. In addition, intervention was necessary in only 43% of renal units with initial compromise and was facilitated by the intraoperatively placed nephrostomy tube. We recommend that percutaneous dilation be done at between 4 and 6 weeks postpyeloplasty, as the waiting period was long enough to allow for spontaneous improvement without precluding a successful outcome if drainage failed to occur. Ureterocalycostomy was rarely necessary.

In support of early surgical repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is the most common urinary tract obstruction in children. Maternal ultrasonography has resulted in early diagnosis of an increasing number of neonatal cases, allowing repair of hydronephrotic kidneys before complications occur. We favor early treatment of congenital hydronephrosis, which should be performed prior to 6 months of age based on evidence of UPJ obstruction, increased pyelocaliceal dilatation, parenchymal thinning, contralateral normal kidney hypertrophy, and functional deterioration. One should not wait for evidence of progressive renal damage before making a diagnosis of obstruction. This therapeutic approach is supported by a review of the most relevant literature published on the subject and our clinical experience. None of the standard tests for measuring obstruction are ideal; hence, we recommend that the results of the different diagnostic procedures for UPJ obstruction should be examined collectively.

Pyeloplasty in hydronephrosis: examination of surgical results from a morphologic point of view

BACKGROUND

Dilatation of the upper urinary tract is the most common congenital urogenital anomaly. Pyeloplasty is the therapy of choice in those patients with significant obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction. There are not many reports concerning the operative long-term results from a morphologic point of view. Furthermore, little information is available about children with giant hydronephrosis treated without resection of the dilated renal pelvis.

METHODS

Between 1973 and 1993, 231 children with 262 renal units (kidney, renal pelvis, ureter) were treated at our institution. Giant hydronephrosis was observed in 52 renal units. The clinical and follow-up data were obtained from the patients' records. The dilatation of the upper urinary tract, confirmed by means of intravenous pyelogram, was divided into 5 grades.

RESULTS

In 215 renal units, reconstructive surgery was performed without reduction of the renal pelvis. Revision of the pyeloplasty was necessary in 5 of the 215 renal units. The dilatation of the upper urinary tract improved or remained stable in 99.4% of the renal units during the follow-up period of 4.8 years (range, 1 month to 21 years).

CONCLUSION

Surgical reconstruction of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a safe and successful procedure. The excision of the dilated pelvis does not seem to be necessary, even in patients with giant hydronephrosis.

Routine diagnostic imaging for childhood urinary tract infections: a systematic overview

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of the evidence on which current recommendations for routine diagnostic imaging for childhood urinary tract infection are based.

METHODS

A systematic overview of the literature using the MEDLINE database (1966 to October 1994), article bibliographies, and a manual search of current publications using Current Contents, was undertaken. Preset criteria were used to categorize study sample and design, and interrater reliability was assessed with a random sample.

RESULTS

A total of 434 publications were evaluated, and 63 studies met the criteria for inclusion. There was 100% interrater agreement on inclusion eligibility and design classification. No controlled trials or analytic studies evaluating routine diagnostic imaging were found. All 63 studies were descriptive, and only 10 were prospective. None of the studies provided evidence of the impact of routine imaging on the development of renal scars and clinical outcomes in children with their first urinary tract infection.

CONCLUSION

Methodologically sound, prospective studies are needed to assess whether children with their first urinary tract infection who have routine diagnostic imaging are better off than children who have imaging for specific indications. We conclude that the current recommendations are not based on firm evidence.

Urinary tract obstruction in children

PURPOSE

Perinatal identification of children with congenital urinary obstruction has challenged our understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical treatment of many children with hydronephrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A critical review of recent reports relating to congenital urinary obstruction in children was performed in an attempt to integrate clinical and experimental information.

RESULTS

Several themes emerged from the many reports relating to congenital urinary obstruction that have not been previously emphasized. Congenital obstruction begins and evolves in a developing fetal kidney, indicating the importance of the effect of obstruction on renal growth and development, which is distinct from the postnatal renal response to obstruction. Variation in the ability of the developing kidney to compensate for obstruction may be an important factor in explaining variability in clinical and experimental reports. Clinical data show an unpredictable outcome of congenital hydronephrosis. Nonoperative management of hydronephrosis is supported by empirical evidence yet raises many questions regarding the certainty of outcome and the risks involved. It imposes on the practitioner a significant clinical obligation. The ability to differentiate between clinically significant and insignificant obstruction is the current challenge to be fulfilled by integrated clinical and experimental investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

The unique features of congenital urinary obstruction separate it from better understood acquired postnatal obstruction. Understanding the effects of obstruction on the developing kidney prenatally and postnatally is critical. A definition is proposed for congenital urinary obstruction in children, that is a condition of impaired urinary drainage which, if uncorrected, will limit the ultimate functional potential of a developing kidney.

Pediatric pyeloplasty: is routine retrograde pyelography necessary?

To evaluate the necessity for retrograde pyelography in the preoperative evaluation of children undergoing pyeloplasty, we reviewed the records of 108 consecutive patients (age range 5 days to 18 years, median 1 year) who underwent pyeloplasty at our institution during a 6-year period. The routine preoperative evaluation consisted of a renal/bladder sonogram, furosemide renal scan (99mtechnetium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid or 99mtechnetium-mercaptoacetyltriglycine) and voiding cystogram. No other imaging studies were obtained in 95 patients (88%). Other upper tract studies usually performed before referral included excretory urography in 9 cases and computerized tomography in 5. Preoperative retrograde pyelography was only performed in 1 symptomatic patient before referral to our institution. Surgical findings confirmed obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction in all patients. Undetected ureteral dilatation, which might suggest undiagnosed distal obstruction, was not encountered. After pyeloplasty 2 patients were lost to followup, renal drainage improved in 104 (98%) and drainage failed to improve in 2 of whom 1 (0.9%) required reoperation. All patients who presented with symptomatic uretero-pelvic junction obstruction experienced postoperative resolution of the presenting complaints. Our series demonstrates that routine retrograde pyelography to define the level of obstruction is not necessary for successful primary pyeloplasty. In experienced hands and with careful attention to detail, the combination of renal/bladder sonography and diuretic renography can reliably exclude the possibility of distal obstruction in children with hydronephrosis before pyeloplasty.

Endopyelotomy: patient selection, results, and complications

The popularity of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as endopyelotomy, has increased markedly among urologists in recent years. While it was initially thought that this procedure was best utilized in patients with secondary UPJ obstruction, recent evidence suggests that endopyelotomy should be considered in the majority of cases. The primary contraindication to endoscopic incision of the UPJ is a long stricture, although a large redundant renal pelvis and the presence of crossing lower pole vessels are considered by some to be relative contraindications as well. Although the majority of surgeons have used a percutaneous, antegrade approach to endopyelotomy, successful results also have been reported with a ureteroscopic, retrograde technique. With the development of modified ureterotomes and balloon-cutting devices, the retrograde approach eventually may become the preferred method since no skin incision or external drainage are needed. The role of endopyelotomy in children remains undefined. While successful results have been reported in infants, the relative morbidity and long-term success of open pyeloplasty in this age group are excellent, thus limiting the relative advantage of an endoscopic approach. However, there may be a role for endopyelotomy in older children and in those patients with secondary obstruction who have failed open surgery. From a technical standpoint, there are several minor variations in surgical technique and postoperative management that are important. The success rate of endopyelotomy using a cold knife or small electrocautery probe appears to be comparable, and the use of cautery may allow for precise control of minor bleeding thus decreasing the risk of complications. However, larger electrodes may induce greater tissue reaction leading to fibrosis and should be avoided. Postoperatively, most authors prefer a tapered double-pigtail stent which allows for adequate internal drainage while avoiding excessive pressure within the distal ureter. While successful results have been reported with stenting intervals of only four days, it is generally recommended that the stent be left in place for a minimum of six weeks following endoscopic incision of the UPJ. Overall, endopyelotomy is associated with shortened hospitalization, more rapid return to normal activity levels, and decreased morbidity compared with open pyeloplasty. The success rates reported with endopyelotomy approach those achieved with open surgery, and it is likely that an endoscopic approach to UPJ obstruction will assume an increasingly greater role in the future.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty

A 24-year-old woman presented with symptomatic right ureteropelvic junction obstruction due to anomalous lower pole renal vessels. A dismembered pyeloplasty of the ureteropelvic junction was performed completely laparoscopically.

Use of kidney internal splint/stent (KISS) catheter in urinary diversion after pyeloplasty

We report on the use of a new catheter, the kidney internal splint/stent (KISS), to facilitate renal urine drainage following pyeloplasty. The catheter combines the desirable qualities of nephrostomy tube diversion, anastomotic stent, and trocar placement in a single tube. The special construction of its lumen diminishes the likelihood of obstructed drainage. Our experience using the KISS catheter with 31 patients undergoing pyeloplasty shows it provides effective internal and external urinary diversion.

Endopyelotomy: comparison of ureteroscopic retrograde and antegrade percutaneous techniques

To date 2 approaches have been developed for performing endopyelotomy, that is the antegrade and retrograde approaches. Experience with antegrade transnephrostomy endopyelotomy is quite large and the results have been excellent. However, the need for percutaneous nephrostomy and prolonged hospitalization have been 2 drawbacks to this approach. In contrast, experience with retrograde transureteral endopyelotomy is scant. However, a ureteroscopic approach is attractive from the standpoint of eliminating the need for a large nephrostomy tube and because of the possibility of performing this procedure on an outpatient basis or during a short hospital stay. We report our experience with antegrade and retrograde endopyelotomy in 41 patients. The hospital stay (3.4 versus 4.0 days), nephrostomy tube size (8F to 10F versus 20F to 22F) and nephrostomy tube duration (2.9 versus 3.8 days) were all less with the retrograde approach. The initial success rate was similar between the 2 methods: 79% (retrograde) versus 78% (antegrade). However, the analgesic requirements (5.3 versus 3.5 doses) and the occurrence of significant complications (that is late ureteral stricture in 20%) were greater with the ureteroscopic approach. With the methods currently available, we believe that antegrade endopyelotomy is the preferred approach for endopyelotomy.

Endopyelotomy for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children

Percutaneous endopyelotomy has been shown to be successful in treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults. Little data have been published regarding this procedure in children. We describe 4 patients 6.5 weeks to 5.5 years old who underwent percutaneous endopyelotomy to treat ureteropelvic junction obstruction following failed open dismembered pyeloplasty. Preoperative obstruction was demonstrated by a nephrostogram, diuretic renogram and/or ultrasonography. Percutaneous endopyelotomy was successful in relieving the obstruction in all 4 patients, although 2 required secondary endoscopic procedures. One patient had persistent obstruction 40 days after endopyelotomy at the ureteropelvic junction and, subsequently, required percutaneous resection of a persistent flap of obstructing tissue. In another patient a ureterovesical stricture was noted at the time of stent removal, which was treated by endoscopic incision. All patients have been followed from 1.5 to 3 years postoperatively. Followup diuretic renograms, ultrasound and/or excretory urography demonstrated a patent ureteropelvic junction in all patients and all have remained asymptomatic. Endopyelotomy appears to be safe and effective in treating secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children.

The importance of visualizing the ureter before performing a pyeloplasty

Records were reviewed of 100 patients who underwent an operation for ureteropelvic junction obstruction from 1978 to 1989: 14 cases were bilateral and 17 were antenatally diagnosed. The ureter was opacified preoperatively in all but 1 patient: in 65 by retrograde pyelography, in 18 by antegrade pyelography, either through a nephrostomy tube with which the patient was referred or during a Whitaker test, in 9 by vesicoureteral reflux seen on voiding cystourethrography performed before an operation for ureteropelvic junction obstruction and in 7 by an excretory urogram. Of the 65 patients who underwent retrograde pyelography 29 had a discrete area of narrowing. However, 36 patients had something more, including a longer segment of narrowing (13), tortuosity of the upper ureter (8), more than 1 area of narrowing (11), high insertion of the ureter on the renal pelvis (3) and compression of the ureter by the lower pole of the kidney (1). In 10 patients referred for reoperation after failed pyeloplasty there was narrowing of the ureter below the level of the prior pyeloplasty. Although indications for retrograde pyelography are fewer today with the various modern imaging modalities in current use, we believe a retrograde examination should be performed before pyeloplasty if the ureter has not been well shown by other means. The retrograde catheter should be small and soft, so as to create no edema or other injury to the lower ureter. The study is done with the patient under the same anesthesia as the pyeloplasty and not at a previous time. All 114 pyeloplasties in these 100 patients were successful.

Nonintubated Anderson-Hynes repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 60 patients

We reviewed our experience with 68 consecutive Anderson-Hynes ureteropyeloplasties. The 64 infants, children and young adults ranged from 2 days to 28 years old (median age 2 years), and 28 were less than 1 year old. Intubation was used in only 4 patients: 2 who also underwent ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux, 1 with stones in the renal pelvis and 1 with pyonephrosis. We successfully repaired 60 of 64 nonintubated renal units (93.4 per cent). Temporary postoperative ureteral stenting was required for extravasation from 8 renal units (12.5 per cent). Two patients later underwent repeat ureteropyeloplasty for recurrent obstruction. Nephrectomy was performed for pyonephrosis in 1 patient and for a nonfunctioning kidney that had exhibited poor function preoperatively in 1. Prolonged ileus necessitated extended hospitalization in 3 patients (4.6 per cent). We conclude that nonintubated dismembered ureteropyeloplasty for uncomplicated, primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction can be performed safely and successfully, and should be considered the standard treatment. Positioning of the Penrose drain is critical to avoid urinoma formation. When persistent urinary leakage occurs temporary diversion is easy and well tolerated. Hospital stay averaged 12.1 days for patients with extravasation compared to 4.3 days when no extravasation occurred. Immediate preoperative retrograde pyelography did not seem to contribute to postoperative urinary extravasation by causing edema of the ureteral orifice.

Pyeloplasty in the young infant

The urgency, safety and benefits of performing pyeloplasty during the first weeks of life currently are being questioned. We reviewed our experience with 114 pyeloplasties in 103 infants and young children performed between 1983 and 1987. The 34 patients who underwent an operation before they were 3 months old were compared to 69 operated upon after 3 months. The surgical results in the 2 groups were equally good, with 90 per cent of the cases having an improved or stable postoperative excretory urogram or renal scan. Complications were few and were more common in the older age group, in which 7 children required a secondary procedure, including 2 for recurrent obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction. No patient in the younger age group required a secondary procedure for treatment of a complication or recurrent obstruction. Our findings indicate that the success of pyeloplasty performed during the first weeks of life is equal to that performed at a later patient age and were not more likely to be followed by a complication.

Simultaneous repair of bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Fifteen children with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent simultaneous repair as a single procedure. Dismembered pyeloplasty and ureterocalycostomy were the two procedures used. Ten were performed through anterior subcostal incisions. Posterior lumbotomy provided adequate exposure in 5 children and further contributed to shortened hospitalizations. The functional and anatomic results were excellent. Simultaneous bilateral pyeloplasty through posterior lumbotomy is a safe and cost-effective alternative to staged procedures for bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Pediatric pyeloplasty: 50 patients with 59 hydronephrotic kidneys

A report of 59 hydronephrotic kidneys due to pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in 50 children less than 12 years of age is presented. Thirty-two percent of the patients were less than 1 year of age, with their main presenting feature being an abdominal mass (88%). For older children, loin or abdominal pain was the chief presenting symptom (68%). During infancy, the left and right sides were equally affected, followed closely by bilateral involvement. On the other hand, in older children, the left side was predominantly affected, being twice as common as the right, and the latter again was twice as common as bilateral involvement. Dismembered pyeloplasty was the procedure used in most cases (88%); the nephrectomy rate was 8% for grossly dilated or dysplastic kidneys. During follow-up (of 6 months to 10 years) of 54 pyeloplasties, improvement was seen in 36 (67%), 12 were unchanged (22%), and one reverted to normal (2%) after the initial operation. Two (4%) worsened initially but achieved stabilization after reoperation; the remaining 3 patients (6%) showed unsatisfactory results. Stents were used in 65% of the cases and nephrostomies in 53%.

Complications of endopyelotomy: analysis in series of 64 patients

We review the complications and failures in our first 64 patients who underwent endopyelotomy. There were 2 intraoperative complications (3.1 per cent) necessitating an open operation. Postoperative complications included leakage around the stent or irritative bladder symptoms, which were treated by repositioning the stent, and 2 instances of ureterovesical stenosis, which have led us to stent the entire ureter in recent cases. There were 7 failures, 4 in patients who in retrospect were not suitable candidates for the percutaneous operation (long stenotic segment and redundant renal pelvis) and 3 for which there was no obvious cause. All failures were apparent soon after removal of the stent that was inserted at the end of the procedure.

Endopyelotomy versus open pyeloplasty: comparison in 88 patients

We compared the results of the first 56 consecutive percutaneous corrections of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (endopyelotomy) at our institution with the most recent 32 consecutive cases of open pyeloplasty. The percutaneous procedure required less time (average 89.4 minutes versus 106.4 minutes for an open operation) and entailed less postoperative pain (60 per cent of the patients required an average of 4.7 unit doses of narcotics, whereas 88 per cent of the pyeloplasty patients required an average of 10.3 unit doses). The average hospital stay was less after endopyelotomy (average 6.2 versus 10.0 days) and return to normal activity occurred more quickly (average 19.8 versus 41.5 days). Endopyelotomy was successful in 87.5 per cent of the patients, with all failures being apparent within 6 weeks and they were easily correctable by traditional methods. Reported success rates of pyeloplasty ranged from 95 to 98 per cent.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the fetus

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is being detected with increasing frequency before birth. To clarify the natural history of fetal UPJ obstruction, we reviewed our experience managing 28 fetuses; there were 16 bilateral cases for a total of 44 renal units. None required decompression before birth. We found that fetal bilateral UPJ obstruction is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; resolution of fetal hydronephrosis secondary to UPJ obstruction is rare; antenatal diagnosis of UPJ obstruction improves clinical management by allowing early detection and appropriate treatment of otherwise clinically undetectable disease; oligohydramnios in the mature fetus with bilateral UPJ obstruction is an indication for early delivery and immediate repair; and prenatally diagnosed UPJ obstructions should be repaired as early as possible after birth.

Surgery of pelviureteric obstruction in 101 children over one year of age

One hundred and one children over 1 year of age have had surgery for pelviureteric obstruction over an 11 year period. The common clinical features were abdominal pain, urinary infection or haematuria, but a number presented as an incidental finding. Less commonly, the patients presented with an abdominal mass or with hypertension. The diagnosis was usually made on intravenous pyelography (IVP) but in the latter part of the series, renal nuclide scan (RNS) and ultrasonography (US) were preferred. Ninety-three patients had a unilateral pyeloplasty, three had bilateral pyeloplasty and five had nephrectomy or heminephrectomy. Whereas initially nephrostomy drainage was used in the majority of patients after pyeloplasty, a trend away from nephrostomy evolved in the latter part of the series. With experience, the incidence of postoperative complications was also reduced and there was a reduction in the period of hospitalization. Clinical results were consistently satisfactory. Postoperative assessment after pyeloplasty was made by IVP and/or RNS and also US. A review of these investigations showed that RNS provided more factual information of the result when compared with the IVP.

Surgery of pelviureteric obstruction in the first year of life

Twenty-nine out of 108 patients (26%) were under 1 year of age at the time of surgery for congenital pelviureteric obstruction. The clinical features and diagnosis, management, follow-up and results in these patients are reviewed. Clinical presentation was usually with an abdominal mass or urinary infection but an increasing number of cases were diagnosed after maternal ultrasonography had shown hydronephrosis. Ultrasonography, together with renal nuclide scan, were considered to be the most appropriate imaging modalities to define anatomy, determine function and document obstruction. Pyeloplasty was carried out successfully in 28 patients (two bilateral) and one patient had a nephrectomy. Sixteen pyeloplasties were managed by a nephrostomy (with or without a stent), the tubes usually being removed 10-12 days postoperatively. Fourteen pyeloplasties were managed by a wound drain only but one required a secondary nephrostomy although eventual recovery was satisfactory. Renal nuclide scan was found to be the most appropriate follow-up test and the overall results of surgery were satisfactory.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the newborn

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a common cause of hydronephrosis in infants. Newborns with severe obstruction often have marked improvement following correction; therefore early diagnosis and operation is important. From 1973 to 1983, 21 patients were operated on for UPJ obstruction diagnosed under 6 weeks of age. Six patients (29%) had antenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. The remaining patients were diagnosed by IVP or radionuclide scan for palpable renal enlargment or for associated anomalies. Seventeen had unilateral and four had bilateral obstruction. Twenty-three pyeloplasties, one primary nephrectomy, and one cutaneous pyelostomy with subsequent nephrectomy were done. All pyeloplasties were dismembered, with tailoring of the renal pelvis. Postoperative renal function was followed with radionuclide scan or IVP. Postoperative complications included a single urinary tract infection in three patients and two bowel obstructions. One early postoperative death occurred in an infant with bilateral obstruction who developed congestive heart failure secondary to severe uncontrollable hypertension. There were two other unrelated late deaths. Documented functional improvement with minimal complications follow unilateral or simultaneous bilateral pyeloplasty in newborns with UPJ obstruction.

The management of children with vesicoureteral reflux and ureteropelvic junction obstruction

We reviewed our management of children with vesicoureteral reflux and ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the same renal unit. Of the children who underwent pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction 9 per cent also had vesicoureteral reflux. These children were almost exclusively boys. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction was caused mostly by a stricture or fixed kinks of the upper ureter. Vesicoureteral reflux was primarily grade IV and was associated with abnormal morphology of the ureteral orifice. Pyeloplasty was the initial surgical correction and ureteral reimplantation was performed expectantly.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ) in adults is more common than generally appreciated. It may mimic other diseases and may be associated with abdominal pain, hypertension, and recurrent pyelonephritis. Diagnosis and surgical correction were frequently delayed with an average duration of symptoms of 3.2 years for 31 adult patients. Only 4 adults (13%) were diagnosed at the time of their initial onset of symptoms. Nephrectomies were performed on 24 per cent of renal units. Accessory lower pole renal vessels were found in 52 per cent of the adults with UPJ obstruction, twice the rate found in children. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography and diuretic radionucleotide renography should be considered in the evaluation of an adult patient with a UPJ obstruction because of the high rate of accessory vessels. If accessory vessels are present on the contralateral side, especially postnephrectomy, there is heightened concern for the remaining kidney and close follow-up with ultrasonography is recommended.

Perinatal ultrasound monitoring: early detection and treatment of congenital uropathy

In childhood, delay in the diagnosis of congenital obstructive or refluxing urinary tract pathology can contribute to progressive renal failure. Ultrasound examination is a safe and reliable means of investigating the urinary system pre- and post-natally. We describe 13 children investigated with ultrasound during the perinatal period. In 10, pathology was identified in utero, confirmed after birth and treated surgically within 1 month. This indicates that perinatal ultrasonography is a valuable technique.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in newborns and infants

Of 11 patients less than 1 year old with ureteropelvic junction obstruction 9 presented with an abdominal mass. The ideal method evaluation of such patients with an abdominal mass includes sonography followed by isotope renal scan if the mass is determined to be urinary in origin. Visualization by excretory urography in this age group is often impaired by poor renal concentrating ability and excessive bowel gas. Repair was achieved successfully using a nonintubated, nonstented, dismembered pyeloplasty in 10 of 13 kidneys. The average postoperative hospital stay for this group was 4.8 days. Three kidneys were diverted temporarily by nephrostomy, leading to a complication in 1 that required secondary repair. Average postoperative hospital stay in the diverted group was 15 days. Renal function was excellent following repair in all patients, suggesting that early repair is highly desirable in this age group.

Pelviureteric obstruction in infancy and childhood. A review of 117 patients

A series of 135 kidneys with pelviureteric obstruction in 117 children is reviewed (a 16% incidence of bilateral obstruction). The majority (89%) of pyeloplasties or other reconstructive procedures were performed via an anterior transperitoneal approach which afforded excellent surgical exposure with a low (4%) incidence of related post-operative complications. Extra-renal drainage alone was preferred to nephrostomy in the majority of patients. Children presenting with bilateral hydronephrosis were managed by a single, simultaneous bilateral procedure rather than by 2 operations. The total nephrectomy rate of 5% compares favourably with the results reported by authors who favour an extraperitoneal approach and routine nephrostomy drainage.

Pelvic kidney in infants and children: experience with 16 cases

Sixteen cases of pelvic kidney were treated in the past 12 yr. Some are associated with other major malformations including ureteropelvic junction obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux, ectopic ureter, vaginal atresia, and vertebral anomalies. The pivotal role of the resorbing mesonephros and its duct in Mullerian duct development and in renal development and ascent are considered.