Background and purpose: Endopyelotomy is an option for the management of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, but long-term outcome data are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of endopyelotomy.
Patients and methods: We retrospectively collected data from all endopyelotomies performed in two low-volume hospitals in Finland between 1987 and 2007. The diagnosis was based primarily on urography results. We also conducted a patient survey during the fall of 2007 for the subjective outcome of the operation. There were 18, 17, and 29 patients with a mean follow-up time 152.2, 67.1, and 77.6 months treated by percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomy, Acucise endopyelotomy, and retrograde endopyelotomy, respectively.
Results: Reoperation for recurrent UPJ obstruction was required for 0, 1 (6%) and 5 (17%) of the patients, the radiographic outcome of the operation was better in 17 (94%), 13 (76%), and 18 (62%) of the patients, and 0, 2 (12%), and 5 (17%) of the patients experienced no relief in pain after percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomy, Acucise endopyelotomy, and retrograde endopyelotomy, respectively. Complications necessitating intervention were recorded for 7 (38.9%), 4 (23.5%), and 4 (13.8%) patients after antegrade endopyelotomy, Acucise endopyelotomy, and retrograde endopyelotomy, respectively. According to the patient survey, 15 (100%), 11 (73%), and 19 (86%) of the respondents were satisfied with the results of the operation after antegrade endopyelotomy, Acucise endopyelotomy, and retrograde endopyelotomy, respectively. The patients were mainly monitored by radiologic examinations, not by renography.
Conclusions: Endopyelotomy offers good and durable results in the long-term. Complications were common, however, and laparoscopic pyeloplasty may be a recommended option for management of primary UPJ obstruction.