[Anomaly of the pyelo-ureteral junction and antenatal ultrasonic diagnosis]

Over a period of five years, 40 cases of anomaly of the pyelo-ureteral junction were diagnosed ante-natally which subsequently required surgical intervention during the first year of life. The indication for the therapy was based on the degree of obstruction (IVU, DTPA scanning, Whitaker test), the thickness of the renal parenchyma (IVU, ultrasound) and, to a lesser extent, on calyceal dilatation. After a period of follow up ranging from 3 to 48 months (mean 16.8 months), good results were noted in 37 cases, there were two permeable junctions with poorly functioning kidneys and one obstruction which was successfully reoperated. These results suggest that intervention is preferable to surveillance at varying intervals for an undetermined period, where the risk of a sudden exacerbation is always possible.