Optimal Timing of Surgery of Hydronephrosis Due to Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Neonates and Infants

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We review our experience with pyeloplasty for unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction of moderate to severe hydronephrosis observed by prenatal ultrasonography to assess the appropriate timing of operation for recovery of renal function and obstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of the total 28 patients who underwent pyeloplasty between 1995 and 2001 at Asan Medical Center. We compared pre and postoperative differentials in renal function and diuretic renogram as measured by technetium-99m-mercaptoacetyl- triglycerine scan and the degree of hydronephrosis by renal ultrasonography. RESULTS: In all 28 patients postoperative follow-up renal ultrasonography revealed significant improvement in hydronephrosis. In 10 poorly functioning hydronephrotic kidneys in which relative renal function function was less than 35%, renal function was improved postoperatively in 3 cases, but not improved in 7 cases. In all 28 patients postoperative follow-up diuretic renogram revealed significant improvement. CONCLUSION: We believe that the early pyeloplasty should be considered when ultrasonography and diuretic renography suggest obstruction because renal function does not improve significantly after pyeloplasty over preoperative value.