Is UPJ considered kidney disease?
The urine is pooled at the UPJ, and then flows down the ureters to the bladder. In UPJ obstruction, the flow of urine is slowed or stopped completely. This raises the risk of kidney damage. In most cases of UPJ obstruction, only one of the kidneys is affected.
What is congenital UPJ?
Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a blockage in the area that connects the renal pelvis (part of the kidney) to one of the tubes (ureters) that move urine to the bladder. It generally occurs when a baby is still growing in the womb. This is called a congenital condition (present from birth).
Is PUJ obstruction serious?
Serious blockage can lead to a deterioration of the function in that kidney , so we asked consultant paediatric urologist Miss Marie-Klaire Farrugia how PUJ obstruction is diagnosed, and when surgery is considered as a treatment option.
Can bilateral hydronephrosis be cured?
Hydronephrosis is usually treated by addressing the underlying disease or cause, such as a kidney stone or infection. Some cases can be resolved without surgery. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Is UPJ obstruction painful?
UPJ obstruction may also cause pain without an infection. Some cases of UPJ obstruction are not clear. Urine may drain normally at times, and at other times be blocked. This causes pain that comes and goes.
How long is UPJ obstruction surgery?
The typical length of the operation is three to four hours. The surgery is performed through three small (1 cm) incisions made in the abdomen.
Can UPJ cause kidney failure?
If undiagnosed or left untreated, chronic UPJ obstruction can lead to significant kidney damage and the gradual loss of kidney function. This is especially true of patients who are diagnosed later in life. Urinary tract infections become common and can be more serious than usual.
Can hydronephrosis cause death?
Hydronephrosis can lead to kidney infections, and in some cases, complete kidney function loss or death.
Does UPJ obstruction cause weight gain?
This mass represents the enlarged, swollen kidney. Other potential symptoms of UPJ obstruction in an infant may include: Blood in their urine (hematuria) Poor growth and weight gain.
Is pyeloplasty surgery painful?
You or your child may feel some pain after pyeloplasty. The pain may go away after a week and you or your child will be given medications to help minimize this pain.
How long does it take to recover from UPJ surgery?
No heavy lifting or exertion for up to 4 weeks following surgery. Patients may begin driving once they are off of narcotic pain medication and have full range of motion at their waist. Most patients can return to full activity including work on an average 3-4 weeks after surgery.
What causes a bilateral obstruction of the UPJ?
The reported rate of bilateral involvement is approximately 10 percent [ 1,4 ]. Congenital UPJ obstruction is caused by anatomic lesions or functional disturbances that restrict urinary flow across the UPJ, resulting in hydronephrosis ( figure 1 and picture 1) [ 1 ].
When does an UPJ obstruction occur in a fetus?
Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a blockage in the area that connects the renal pelvis (part of the kidney) to one of the tubes (ureters) that move urine to the bladder. It generally occurs when a baby is still growing in the womb.
Can a pelviureteric junction obstruction be congenital?
It can be congenital or acquired with a congenital pelviureteric junction obstruction being one of the commonest causes of antenatal hydronephrosis. It may present in both pediatric and adult populations although they tend to have differing etiology.
When does an ureteropelvic junction ( UPJ ) obstruction occur?
Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a blockage in the area that connects the renal pelvis (part of the kidney) to one of the tubes (ureters) that move urine to the bladder. It generally occurs when a baby is still growing in the womb. This is called a congenital condition (present from birth).