Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJ)

Uretetopelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a congenital (born with it) or acquired condition where there is a narrowing or kink in the connection point between the drainage system of the kidney and the drainage tube of the kidney (ureter). UPJO may cause pain on the side of the affected kindey, urine infections, or kidney stones and can result in kindey damage. The classic symptom is pain that occurs after drinking a large amount of fluid. Imaging tests such and ultrasound or CT scan are usually required to diagnose the condition along with special nuclear medicine drainage studies. Patients who are candidates may undergo elective surgery to reshape the drainage funnel called pyeloplasty. Jackson Clinic urologists are trained to perform minimally invasive pyeloplasty surgery using the DaVinci Robot to aid in faster recovery and less blood loss.