Treatment
Newborns with UPJ obstruction and hydronephrosis are placed on antibiotics to prevent infection and are monitored with renal ultrasound every 3 to 6 months. If UPJ obstruction causes a significant reduction in renal function, a surgical procedure called pyeloplasty is performed to remove the obstruction, improve urine flow, and reduce the risk for kidney damage. Pyeloplasty involves removing the blockage and reattaching the ureter to the renal pelvis. A temporary device that holds the ureter open (stent) may be inserted to drain the kidney.
Complications include the following:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Narrowing of the ureter (stricture)
- Recurrent UPJ obstruction
- Urine leakage into surrounding tissue
- UTI (e.g., cystitis)
Patients require follow-up care for several years following pyeloplasty. Tests to evaluate kidney function are performed regularly (6 months to 1 year).
Prognosis
The success rate for patients who undergo pyeloplasty is higher than 95%.
Prevention
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction cannot be prevented.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 10 Jun 1998
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction, Treatment reprinted with permission from urologychannel.com
© 1998-2010 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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