Surgical Approaches to Pediatric Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Approximately 10-30% of infants with hydronephrosis are found to have ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Technological advances in imaging have allowed physicians to better identify the location of the obstruction. The classic repair is the Anderson-Hynes repair which shows a 90-100% success rate and appears superior to many less complex techniques. Is it best to approach this repair through an open incision or laparoscopically with or without a surgical robot? That question remains to be answered and largely depends on how you define "best."