Medical Health Encyclopedia

UPJ obstruction

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Kidney anatomy

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

UPJ obstruction

Definition:

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction involves a blockage in the area where a ureter, one of the tubes that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, attaches to the part of the kidney known as the renal pelvis.

Alternative Names:
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction; UP junction obstruction; Obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction

Text Continues Below

---

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

UPJ obstruction is generally a congenital (present from before birth) condition caused by narrowing of the connection between the ureter and the renal pelvis, which is part of the kidney. This blockage causes urine to build up in the renal pelvis, damaging the kidney.

UPJ obstruction is the most frequently diagnosed cause of urinary obstruction in children. It is now commonly diagnosed during prenatal ultrasound studies that show a dilated renal pelvis or a condition called hydronephrosis.

When recognized before the baby is born, UPJ obstruction may require surgical correction in the first few days after birth. Less severe cases may not require surgery until later in life, and some cases do not require surgery at all.

UPJ obstruction may be recognized after birth when an abdominal mass is found on examination, or if the infant develops a urinary tract infection associated with fever. Back pain and blood in the urine may also be signs of UPJ obstruction.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.