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Pelvic-Ureteric Junction
Obstruction (UPJO)

Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (UPJO) is when part of the kidney is blocked, often blocked at the renal pelvis, where the kidney attaches to one of the ureters, slowing or stopping urine flow out of the kidney.

Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage) Symptoms

The obstruction results in urine building up and may cause episodes of loin pain, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, urinary infections, and kidney stones. In some patients, the condition can also affect the normal function of the kidney.

Causes of Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage)

UPJO is usually congenital, with children being born with this health issue. Most cases are picked up using ultrasound before birth. UPJO in adults may happen after kidney stones, previous kidney surgery, or upper urinary tract swelling.

Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage) Diagnosis

To make a proper diagnosis of kidney blockage, your urologist must see how well urine is produced and drained. On top of an ultrasound to see the kidneys, additional tests are needed. They include:

  • BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine tests on blood and urine samples to find out if the kidney is working well as it filters the blood.
  • A nuclear renal scan using radioactive material that can be seen with a special camera. This test gives the doctor good information about how the kidney is working and how much blockage there is.
  • CT scans of the kidney to find out why children are having severe pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (UPJO) is when part of the kidney is blocked, often blocked at the renal pelvis, where the kidney attaches to one of the ureters, slowing or stopping urine flow out of the kidney.

Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage) Symptoms

The obstruction results in urine building up and may cause episodes of loin pain, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, urinary infections, and kidney stones. In some patients, the condition can also affect the normal function of the kidney.

Causes of Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage)

UPJO is usually congenital, with children being born with this health issue. Most cases are picked up using ultrasound before birth. UPJO in adults may happen after kidney stones, previous kidney surgery, or upper urinary tract swelling.

Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage) Diagnosis

To make a proper diagnosis of kidney blockage, your urologist must see how well urine is produced and drained. On top of an ultrasound to see the kidneys, additional tests are needed. They include:

  • BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine tests on blood and urine samples to find out if the kidney is working well as it filters the blood.
  • A nuclear renal scan using radioactive material that can be seen with a special camera. This test gives the doctor good information about how the kidney is working and how much blockage there is.
  • CT scans of the kidney to find out why children are having severe pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage) Treatment Options

Many infants with good kidney function and poor drainage at first will have much improvement after a few months. If urine flow does not improve and obstruction remains, then surgery is needed. An open surgery called pyeloplasty is a classic treatment for infants, where the UPJO is removed , and the ureter is reattached to the renal pelvis to create a wide opening. This lets the urine drain quickly and easily. It also relieves symptoms and the risk of infection.

The following minimally invasive surgeries are considered to treat UPJO in older children and adults:

  • Laparoscopic and Robotic Pyeloplasty Reconstruction, where a small cut is made in the abdominal wall with a robot guiding the tools. This method results in less pain and nausea.
  • Endoscopic Laser Incision (Endopyelotomy). This procedure aims to widen the renal pelvis by inserting small instruments either up through the urinary tract or down through the skin and into the kidney. The instruments are used to remove the tissue that is obstructing by applying laser.

Why should you choose Dr Colin Teo to perform your Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage) Surgery?

Dr Colin Teo is the Founding Head of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital’s Urology Department, with years of experience in minimally invasive keyhole surgery, operating with precision surgical techniques. Many fellows have trained under his mentorship. He did a Fellowship in EndoLaparoscopy and Andrology at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, UK and was sponsored for a Senior Healthcare Medical Development Program (HMDP) in Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery at University of Southern California (USC) Keck Hospital in Los Angeles, USA.

Seek recommendations on suitable treatment options for Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (Kidney Blockage) with Colin Teo Urology. Contact us to book an appointment today.