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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:05
Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection
Published on: October 12, 2017
Post-traumatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction
Gianluca Giannarini1, Barbara Grossetti, Alfonso Crisci
1Department of Urology, University Hospital, Udine, Italy. giagia73@tin.it
Summary
Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a rare consequence of blunt abdominal trauma, typically seen in children. This case highlights the first documented instance of UPJ obstruction in an adult, diagnosed a decade after initial injury.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) injuries from blunt abdominal trauma are uncommon and primarily documented in pediatric populations.
- These injuries often involve ureteral laceration or avulsion and are frequently missed due to co-occurring severe injuries or lack of hematuria.
Observation:
- This report details the first known case of UPJ obstruction in an adult male.
- The patient presented with symptoms 10 years after sustaining a blunt abdominal trauma.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of UPJ obstruction was significantly delayed, occurring a decade post-trauma.
- This case underscores the potential for late-onset complications following non-penetrating ureteral injuries.
Implications:
- Delayed diagnosis of UPJ obstruction following blunt abdominal trauma is possible in adults.
- This case expands the understanding of long-term sequelae of ureteral injuries, suggesting the need for vigilant follow-up in adult trauma survivors.
- Highlights the importance of considering UPJ injuries in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in adults with a history of trauma.
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