The coexistence of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and reflux.

Since ureteropelvic junction obstruction is the most common upper urinary tract problem in children, and vesicoureteral reflux the most common lower tract problem, it is not surprising that these entities sometimes coexist in the same child. Over a 10 year period this uncommon phenomenon has been noted 21 times (in about 2,800 children with reflux and 200 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction). Significant ureteropelvic junction obstruction in association with mild reflux can mimic severe reflux, but the operation needed is not reimplantation but pyeloplasty. Conversely, when significant ureteropelvic junction obstruction coexists with significant reflux, both operations may be necessary, but the order in which they are done (pyeloplasty first) seems to be crucial. Voiding cystography with appropriate postvoid drainage films, excretory urography, often with a catheter draining the bladder to prevent reflux, and provocative diuretic excretory urography and/or renography can determine that ureteropelvic junction obstruction does coexist and quantitate the severity of each problem.