Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction Due to Vascular Anomalies in Children – Simple Surgical Options

AIMS: Pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) due to aberrant lower polar artery is conventionally managed with pyeloplasty. We present our experience of managing PUJO due to “vascular” anomalies-aberrant lower polar artery and vascular adhesions with simpler surgical options. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a protocol based, retrospective study of PUJO. Preoperative investigations included ultrasonography (USG) and diuretic renogram. An intraoperative methylene blue test (MBT) assessed transit across the Pelviureteric junction (PUJ) after release of vascular compression. Surgical management included adhesiolysis for vascular adhesions and pyelopyelostomy anterior to the aberrant polar artery. Postoperative studies were repeated after 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Fourteen of 144 PUJO (9.7%) were “vascular” obstructions. Those with vascular adhesions (six) were largely infants with antenatal hydronephrosis. Children with aberrant lower polar artery (eight) were older, had fleeting symptoms, minimally increased pelvic diameter and subtle impairment on diuretic renogram. Majority were term males with urinary tract infection. The MBT showed normal transit across the PUJ in all. Postoperatively, there was progressive improvement on USG and diuretic renogram after 3 and 6 months. None had any complication or redosurgeries. At a mean follow-up of 41.2 months, all are asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: PUJO due to extrinsic vascular anomalies is rare. Intraoperative evaluation with the MBT ruled out associated intrinsic pathology. We describe two simple surgical alternatives preserving the normal PUJ - adhesiolysis for vascular adhesions and pyelopyelostomy for aberrant lower polar artery. The preliminary outcomes are comparable to conventional pyeloplasty.