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Published on: October 12, 2017
The coexistence of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and reflux
Insights
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux can coexist in children. Diagnosis requires specific imaging, and surgical order (pyeloplasty first) is crucial for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Surgical Management
Background:
- Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common upper urinary tract anomaly in children.
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most common lower urinary tract anomaly in children.
- The coexistence of UPJO and VUR is uncommon but clinically significant.
Observation:
- This study observed 21 cases of coexisting UPJO and VUR over a 10-year period.
- Significant UPJO with mild VUR can mimic severe VUR, necessitating pyeloplasty over reimplantation.
- Significant UPJO and significant VUR may require both surgical interventions.
Findings:
- The order of surgical intervention is critical when both UPJO and VUR are present; pyeloplasty should be performed first.
- Diagnostic imaging, including voiding cystography and excretory urography (with diuretic challenges if needed), is essential for accurate diagnosis and severity assessment.
- Imaging techniques help differentiate between isolated UPJO, isolated VUR, and the combined condition.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical sequencing are vital for optimal outcomes in children with combined UPJO and VUR.
- Understanding the interplay between these conditions improves surgical planning and patient management.
- This knowledge aids pediatric urologists in selecting the correct surgical approach, avoiding unnecessary procedures, and ensuring effective treatment.
Abstract:
Since ureteropelvic junction obstruction is the most common upper urinary tract problem in children, and vesicoureteral reflux the most common lower tract problem, it is not surprising that these entities sometimes coexist in the same child. Over a 10 year period this uncommon phenomenon has been noted 21 times (in about 2,800 children with reflux and 200 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction). Significant ureteropelvic junction obstruction in association with mild reflux can mimic severe reflux, but the operation needed is not reimplantation but pyeloplasty. Conversely, when significant ureteropelvic junction obstruction coexists with significant reflux, both operations may be necessary, but the order in which they are done (pyeloplasty first) seems to be crucial. Voiding cystography with appropriate postvoid drainage films, excretory urography, often with a catheter draining the bladder to prevent reflux, and provocative diuretic excretory urography and/or renography can determine that ureteropelvic junction obstruction does coexist and quantitate the severity of each problem.
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Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

