Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in adults in a resource limited environment: Causes, features and outcome of treatment

Objective: To report our experience with the management and outcome of treatment of adults with pelvi-ureteric junction(PUJ) obstruction Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective study of adults with PUJ obstruction from January 2009 to December 2013. The study was conducted at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Ibadan in Nigeria. All adults with clinical features and radiological evidence of PUJ obstruction were included. Some patients had non operative treatment while others had open surgical treatment. The main outcome of treatment was measured by the relief of symptoms. We are not aware of previous report of the management of PUJ obstruction in adults in Nigeria. Results: Eighteen adult patients were treated. The mean age was 39 ± 11.2 standard deviation years (range 20-65 years). Seventy-two percent presented with loin pain. Thirteen of these patients were treated surgically, and 5 were treated nonoperatively. The operation findings were narrow but patent PUJ that barely admit a probe due to intrinsic muscle fibrosis in six patients, aberrant crossing vessels in 3, severely hydronephrotic kidneys in 3 and one impacted PUJ calculus. Fifty percent of patients had open dismembered pyeloplasty, simple nephrectomy (16.7%) while combined pyelolithotomy and Foley Y-V plasty (5%). All surgically treated patients were pain-free as at last time of review. Conclusion: Intrinsic muscle fibrosis and aberrant crossing vessels are the most common causes of PUJ obstruction in adults. Open pyeloplasty is still the main stay of treatment in our environment with satisfactory symptomatic relief.