Pelviureteric obstruction in children: growth of kidney parenchymal area after pyeloplasty.

The excretory urographies of 26 patients with unilateral pelviureteric obstruction were analysed retrospectively. All patients had had dismembered pyeloplasty performed at the age of 9 months to 15 years 2 months. Planimetric parenchymal area measurements of each kidney were made from urographies performed preoperatively and at different stages of the follow-up period, the latest follow-ups being effected 3 to 14 years postoperatively. The postoperative parenchymal growth of the hydronephrotic kidneys was very good, especially in patients operated on in early childhood. The mean parenchymal growth rate in per cent of the hydronephrotic kidney exceeded the mean parenchymal growth rate in per cent, of its mate during the first postoperative year. During the long-term follow-up there was no further parenchymal "catch-up" growth of the hydronephrotic kidney as compared to the contralateral kidney. Planimetric measurement of kidney parenchymal area is proposed as a useful quantitative method for the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of hydronephrosis in children.