Endoureterotomy as the initial management of concurrent ureteropelvic and ureterovesical junction obstruction after failed conservative therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of our experience with endoureterotomy as the initial management of ureterovesical junction obstruction (UVJO) with coexisting primary or secondary obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJO) level.

METHODS

A total of 490 children with 561 ureterorenal units were referred to our center for further management of UVJO. Of these, 47 ureterorenal units had concomitant UPJO. All patients underwent endoureterotomy. Patients were monitored by performing clinical examinations, urine culture, ultrasonography, and radionuclide renal scan.

RESULTS

Mean procedure time for endoureterotomy was 20 minutes (range, 14-33 minutes). No postoperative complications were observed. With a mean follow-up of 27 months, 39 of the 47 ureters with concomitancy (82.97%) showed resolution of both pathologies after the initial endoureterotomy, and 4 patients experienced resolution after redo endoureterotomy, with an overall success rate of 91.48%. Three ureterorenal units (6.38%) underwent further ureteral reimplantation. Pyeloplasty was performed on 3 ureterorenal units (6.38%), which led to complete resolution in all.

CONCLUSION

Performing initial endoureterotomy for the management of UVJO concomitant with UPJO provides promising results in spontaneous resolution of UPJO and complete resolution or decrease in hydronephrosis and can be proposed as an effective and safe temporizing alternative in selected patients.