Pathophysiology and treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Abstract

This paper reviews the current literature on both the pathophysiology and treatment options for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). A medical literature search using Pubmed/Medline that addressed both the pathophysiology of UPJO and the different treatment options for the adult and pediatric population with UPJO was performed. The pathophysiology of UPJO is still unknown but appears to be multifactorial. Perhaps future molecular studies will give us an answer to the etiology and also a pathway in preventing UPJO. Treatment options have been studied in-depth, and the gold standard is open pyeloplasty. In both the pediatric and adult population, laparoscopic or robotic pyeloplasty has similar success rates to open pyeloplasty with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. In the pediatric population, however, further studies need to be done. Endopyelotomy also has a role in the treatment of UPJO but should have strict selection criteria.