Evolution in the management of infant pyeloplasty.

Improving diagnostic modalities, evolving concepts regarding perinatal renal physiology, and advances in surgical technique have contributed to an evolution in the management of infant pyeloplasties. Currently, the majority of patients present with a prenatal diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and do not require surgical intervention prior to 4 weeks of age. Postnatal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography, and nuclear renography complete the diagnostic evaluation, with intravenous urography and retrograde pyelography being unnecessary in the majority of infants. A decreasing incidence of complications and a shortening of hospital stay has been documented. We presently prefer a dismembered, nonintubated technique performed through a dorsal lumbotomy approach.