Primary obstructive megaureter in adults

The clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of 26 adults with primary obstructive megaureter have been reviewed. The histological features and the urodynamics of this disease are discussed. The clinical picture of primary obstructive megaureter in the adult may be deceivingly unimpressive. In this series 2 kidneys were destroyed because of progressive disease in the absence of clinical symptoms. We support Creevy's findings that the pathology involved is an obstructive segment of the ureter on the basis of a thickened muscularis and mild inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa. Urodynamic studies performed by one of us (M.K.H.) suggest that these ureters may remain in a balanced state indefinitely, owing to a low resting pressure. However, there may be relatively little reserve capacity and, with increased urine production rates, the pressure transmitted to the renal collecting system may produce renal atrophy. The radiologic features of the disease may reflect its clinical course, that is those showing a bulb and tail have a more benign course than ureters with a sharp cutoff. High dosage cine-pyelography is valuable in confirming the diagnosis and in studying the contractility of the ureter. Initially, we treated these cases conservatively. The presence of calculi and planned pregnancy are strong indication for surgical interference. Of the 26 patients 15 ultimatley required an operation. We recommend ureteral remodeling and reimplantation whenever possible since 11 of our cases had a most gratifying result from this procedure.