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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Murine Model of Irreversible and Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction
Published on: December 20, 2014
Primary obstructive megaureter
V Sripathi1, P A King, M R Thomson
1Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia.
Insights
Surgical treatment for primary obstructive megaureters in children, involving transvesical excision and reimplantation, led to successful outcomes in many cases, with significant improvements in renal function and ureteric size. However, some patients experienced postoperative infections or complications like obstruction and reflux.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Surgical Innovation
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Primary obstructive megaureters present a significant challenge in pediatric urology.
- Urinary tract infections are a common presenting symptom in affected children.
- Histopathological findings reveal characteristic fibromuscular abnormalities in the ureteral wall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgical management for primary obstructive megaureters in children.
- To assess the efficacy of transvesical excision and antireflux reimplantation.
- To identify factors influencing postoperative success and complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 children (28 ureters) treated between 1978-1988.
- Surgical technique involved transvesical excision of the obstructive ureteral segment.
- Ureters were tapered and reimplanted using an antireflux technique.
Main Results:
- Seven children demonstrated excellent outcomes: renal growth, reduced ureteric size, improved glomerular filtration rate, no obstruction, and no infections.
- Four children achieved similar functional improvements but experienced postoperative infections.
- Six children experienced complications, including postoperative obstruction (3) and vesicoureteric reflux (3).
Conclusions:
- Transvesical excision and antireflux reimplantation are effective treatments for primary obstructive megaureters.
- While most patients show significant functional improvement, careful monitoring for infections and complications is essential.
- Further research may explore strategies to minimize postoperative morbidity.
Abstract:
Twenty-three children with primary obstructive megaureters presented between 1978 and 1988 to the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth. Twenty-eight ureters were treated. Urinary infections were the presenting feature in 14 children. The obstructive segment was transvesically excised. Histopathologic examination of the distal, intramural ureter showed fibromuscular disarray with a relative increase in fibrous tissue and reduction of musculature in all specimens. Twenty-two ureters were tapered by excision and all 28 were reimplanted using an antireflux technique. Seventeen children were followed for an average of 3 years. Seven children showed renal growth, reduction in ureteric size by greater than 2 cm, improvement in glomerular filtration rate by more than 10%, no obstruction on reflux, and no infections in postoperative period. Four children showed all the above but suffered one or more infections after the operation. Of the remaining 6 children, 3 had postoperative obstruction and 3 had vesicoureteric reflux.
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