Objective: Significant controversy remains concerning the best way to treat ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). This study evaluates subjective and objective outcomes of retrograde holmium laser endopyelotomy in a selected population with UPJO.
Material and methods: Forty-seven patients with UPJO were referred to retrograde endopyelotomy between April 2004 and March 2007. Patients with a very large pelvis, a high insertion of the ureter, a renal split function below 20% or a long (>2 cm) stenosed ureteropelvic segment, and patients younger than 18 years were not selected for endopyelotomy, but subjected to laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Renal function was estimated on renal diuretic scan before and after surgery with a mean renographic follow-up of 35 weeks. Subjective results were based on questionnaires which were returned from 44 patients with primary (n=37) or secondary (n=7) obstruction (mean follow-up 110 weeks). Success criteria were defined as symptom relief and improved or preserved renal function.
Results: Twenty-nine patients (66%) experienced complete symptom resolution and 10 patients (23%) had significant symptom improvement (i.e. no need for pain-killing medication). Five patients (11%) had unchanged symptoms. No difference in postoperative renal function was observed between these three groups of patients. The differences between preoperative and postoperative renal function were non-significant in each group. No major complications were observed. Five patients (11%) were referred to retreatment owing to unchanged symptoms.
Conclusion: Retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy is a safe and effective treatment option in patients with primary and secondary UPJO when selected properly.