UPJ obstruction is usually congenital, meaning it stems from kidney development problems in a fetus.
Less commonly, UPJ obstruction is acquired.
Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Symptoms
The symptoms of ureteropelvic junction obstruction depend on the age of the patient.
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Infants
Since UPJ blocks normal urine flow, the affected kidney will become swollen.
Once born, an infant may have a mass in their abdomen that can be felt.
This mass represents the enlarged, swollen kidney.
Attached to each kidney is a long, thin tube called a ureter.
This blockage either slows down or stops the normal flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Much less commonly, UPJ obstruction is acquired.
Nuclear Renography
With nuclear renography, a patient will be given an intravenous (IV) radioisotope.
The time it takes for the isotope to drain from the kidney is then measured.
With a UPJ obstruction, the isotope will remain and not drain out rapidly (as it should).
Treatment
Many cases of UPJ obstruction (especially in infants) improve and resolve on their own.
During the watching and waiting time, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
The goals of pyeloplasty are to improve urine flow and reduce kidney damage and infection.
There are two types of pyeloplastyopen and laparoscopic.
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is the more common approach in adults.
Various instruments are inserted through these small cuts so that relieve the obstruction.
After surgery, follow-up care with periodic kidney ultrasounds and kidney function testing is required.
Borin JF.Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults.Rev Urol.
2019;13(1):2-18. doi:10.2174/1872213X13666181228154940
