[Childhood ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a regional treatment center: spectrum and therapy].

BACKGROUND: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is the most frequent malformation of the upper urinary tract and treatment with conservative or operative management remains controversial. In this study we present the retrospective analysis of 129 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction who underwent conservative or operative management.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 129 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, who were treated in the department of pediatric nephrology at the University of Essen from 1998-2005, were included into the analysis. Clinical charts were reviewed for the parameters urinary tract infections (total number, severity, bacteriology), antibiotics, ultrasound, Tc-99 diuresis renography, and management (conservative or operative). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software (Version 11.0)
RESULTS: A total of 89 urinary tract infections was observed in 52 children. The mean width of renal pelvis was 3.04 ± 1.33 cm in the operative group and 1.98 ± 1.2 cm in the conservative group (p=0.001, ANOVA test). Tc-99 diuresis renography was performed in 70 children of which 46 children received primarily conservative management and 24 children were operated. In the conservative group 6 children underwent pyeloplasty later on due to aggravation of renal function. In 59 out of 129 cases diuresis nephrography was not performed due to only mild ectasia.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that conservative management is safe in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction with no or only little constricted renal function, if a close-meshed surveillance protocol is followed and parental compliance is given.