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Vascular anatomy at the ureteropelvic junction
1Department of Anatomy, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Urologic Clinics of North America
|June 20, 1998
Summary
Many prominent vessels near the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) are normal, not causing obstruction. Surgical incisions for UPJ obstruction should be lateral to avoid these vessels.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- The ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) is a common site of congenital obstruction.
- Vascular anomalies are often implicated as a cause of UPJ obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical relationship between blood vessels and the UPJ.
- To determine if commonly observed vessels are anomalous or normal variants.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical study of the UPJ and surrounding vasculature.
- Analysis of vessel proximity and course relative to the UPJ.
Main Results:
- Prominent ventral vessels were present in 65% of cases, typically normal segmental arteries.
- Inferior polar arteries anterior to the UPJ were rare (6.8%).
- Vessels crossing the dorsal UPJ within 1.5 cm occurred in 26.7% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Many vessels near the UPJ are normal variants and not causative of obstruction.
- Endopyelotomy incisions for UPJ obstruction should be made laterally to avoid these vessels.