Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Treatment in Pakistan

Typically, the kidney function to filter the waste out of the blood system and make urine. The urine travels down to the bladder via tubes called ureters. The blockage or slowing down of the urine movement to the bladder is known as ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The condition is not so common such as one out of 1500 babies may require the UPJ obstruction treatment. However, ALSA Pakistan is at your disposal for the best paediatric ureteropelvic junction treatment in Pakistan.

What is ureteropelvic junction obstruction? 

UPJ obstruction in babies is a congenital condition that can be detected in babies even before birth. Generally, narrowing or obstruction of the passage occurs at the renal pelvis, the point of attachment of the kidney and the ureter. Consequently, urine flow slows down or maybe blocks the flow entirely. Hence, the kidney fails to drain the waste materials properly. The condition may result in the build-up of the waste materials that cause kidney swelling or hydronephrosis. As a result, the kidney enlarges, which the gynaecologist may spot on the ultrasounds. Therefore, most of the cases of UPJ obstruction in babies are identified even before birth.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction causes

UPJ obstruction in babies is mainly due to improper development of the ureter and renal pelvis. Furthermore, it may be due to kinking of the ureter or a blood vessel that causes the intermittent obstruction. Intermittent obstruction means that sometimes the kidney functions correctly, but sometimes it retains the urine.

However, in adults or older children, scar tissue, previous UPJ obstruction treatment, or an infection may be one of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction causes. It is ubiquitous to detect blockage during prenatal ultrasound. Whatever may be the cause of the condition, you can trust our expert medical and paramedical staff at ALSA Pakistan for the premium care of your little one.

Symptoms of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

In congenital cases, the obstruction is identifiable due to enlarged kidney size. At the same time, the newborn may or may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms of the condition. However, if there are any symptoms of ureteropelvic junction obstruction, they may include the following. 

  • A large mass or lump in the abdomen
  • Blood in urine / Hematuria
  • Intermittent or vague abdominal pain
  • Vomiting 
  • Kidney infection 
  • Urinary tract infection along with fever
  • Abdominal, flank pain in the side or back
  • Overall poor growth of the baby

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction diagnosis

Even after the preliminary indication of the conditions, well-educated and skilled paediatricians at ALSA Pakistan conducted a detailed examination to evaluate the severity of the baby’s disease and devise the best UPJ obstruction treatment strategy. Therefore, the Ureteropelvic junction obstruction diagnosis may include the following tests. 

  • Nuclear scan of the kidney 
  • Electrolytes 
  • BUN
  • Creatinine 
  • Voiding cystourethrogram 
  • Renal Bladder Ultrasound (RBUS)
  • MAG III renal scan
  • MRI/ MRU

UPJ obstruction treatment

With proper management of upj obstruction, the condition may resolve with time. However, the treatment would be necessary in severe cases, which means surgery. Concerning surgery, the proficient paediatric surgeon Dr Muhammad Mohsin offers the best surgery option for the UPJ obstruction treatment. The surgery focuses on removing the defective portion of the ureter and reconnecting it to the kidney. Hence, it allows the urine to pass usually through the ureter. Therefore, there are two primary surgery or pyeloplasty options for correcting the ureteropelvic obstruction.

Open surgery 

The surgeon removes the blockage during the open surgery by making a 2 to 3 inches large incision under general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon reconnects the ureter correctly and makes the urine drain properly. As a result, the kidney continues to function correctly, the urine usually drains, the symptoms are relieved, and the infection risks are also mitigated.

Laparoscopic surgery 

ALSA Pakistan takes pride in offering you the most advanced surgical option for UPJ obstruction treatment of your little one. In laparoscopic surgery, the incisions are tiny compared to open surgery and accomplish the same goals as open surgery. We focus on providing our patients with state-of-the-art treatment at ALSA Pakistan because it poses lesser risks of bleeding, infection, and scarring and promises faster recovery.

The surgeon may also decide to introduce a tube called the stent or nephrostomy tube to drain the urine for some time to drain the urine until the patient heals. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction treatment costs vary depending on the UPJ obstruction treatment option you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the leading cause of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in babies?

It is a rare birth defect in babies and is mainly due to improper development of the ureter and renal pelvis during pregnancy.

What are alarming signs of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in babies?

During the gestation period, enlarged kidney size can be noticeable. However, other symptoms include a lump or pain in the abdomen, blood in urine, vomiting, kidney infection, UTI, and poor baby growth

Which is the right surgery option for the treatment?

The surgery could be carried out either openly or laparoscopically. It depends on the severity of the illness and the child’s condition.

Is it purely a child health issue?

No, it also occurs in adults and older children. Scar tissue or previous ureteropelvic junction obstruction or infection could be their reason.

Is the condition treatable?

Yes, ALSA Pakistan offers the best ureteropelvic junction obstruction treatment in Pakistan at a highly affordable price.