Dynamic Renal Scintigraphy Results of Pediatric Patients Operated Due to Unilateral Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: A Novel Approach to Overestimated Ipsilateral Differentiated Renal Function

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to scintigraphically investigate the preoperative and postoperative renal functions of patients operated due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction, discuss the factors affecting the indication of surgery and emphasize the important points to consider during scintigraphic examination. Method: We retrospectively analyzed pediatric cases who underwent pyeloplasty due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Patients operated for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction whose preoperative and postoperative dynamic scintigraphy results could be obtained were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as those with <50% and ≥50% ipsilateral differentiated renal function. The difference between the groups was considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: The median ages of 36 cases in <50% DRF group and 24 cases in ≥50% DRF group were 7.7 months and 8.5 months, respectively. The mean ipsilateral differentiated renal function values of the main groups were significantly different from each other both in the preoperative and postoperative periods. The changes within the two main groups were also analyzed, yielding significant differences. Ipsilateral differentiated renal function changes on a general, group and subgroup basis, and preoperative ultrasound findings of the ipsilateral kidney in subgroups were revealed. Conclusion: Increased hydronephrosis degree and renal pelvis anterior-posterior diameter are closely related to overestimated ipsilateral kidney function. For deciding on surgery in patients with ureteral obstruction, scintigraphic examinations make sense with the help of US and the clinical condition of the patient.

Keywords

• dynamic renal scintigraphy
• ureteropelvic junction obstruction
• pyeloplasty
• supranormal function
• differentiated renal function
• pediatric