Antenatally detected pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction: concerns about conservative management.

OBJECTIVE

To review the conservative management of antenatally detected pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 121 children (142 kidneys) with antenatally diagnosed PUJ obstruction managed over an 8-year period, including 21 who were affected bilaterally; the main focus of the study was on the 100 children affected unilaterally. The intent was to manage these patients conservatively, with immediate surgery (early pyeloplasty) only if renal function was initially compromised (renographic function < 40%). The indications for surgery subsequently (delayed pyeloplasty) included either a deterioration in renal function, the onset of symptoms or increasing hydronephrosis.

RESULTS

The anteroposterior diameter and renal function were weakly and negatively correlated. The kidneys in the delayed pyeloplasty group had a greater initial mean anteroposterior diameter than had those in the early or the conservative groups (P<0. 05). The improvement in renal function was the lower in the delayed pyeloplasty group than in the early pyeloplasty group; the improvement was inversely related to the anteroposterior diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

The conservative management of some antenatally detected PUJ obstructions probably results in greater loss of function, which is not recovered after surgery.