Can We Predict Renal Function Recovery After Pyeloplasty in Pediatrics with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Chronic unilateral renal obstruction, primarily caused by ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), poses challenges in determining the optimal timing for corrective surgery. The goal is to preserve renal function and alleviate symptoms, but there is no definitive diagnostic test to reliably predict the outcomes of surgery. This systematic review aimed to identify predictors for renal function recovery after pyeloplasty in order to guide effective treatment options. We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using keywords related to renal function, pyeloplasty, and predictors. The search was conducted on March 10, 2022. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Out of 344 potentially relevant articles, 11 met the eligibility criteria for this study. These included 6 retrospective and 5 prospective studies, with a total of 925 participants. Most studies evaluated renal function using differential renal function (DRF). The overall quality of the included studies was considered average. The findings indicated that age at the time of surgery and gender did not significantly influence functional recovery after pyeloplasty. However, preoperative DRF consistently emerged as a critical predictor. Preoperative DRF can serve as the most common predictors used for renal function recovery following pyeloplasty. These findings contribute to understanding effective treatment options for chronic unilateral renal obstruction. However, further research for each predictor is needed to validate these predictors and their clinical utility.