Hypertension is an indication for surgery in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction

PURPOSE: To our knowledge hypertension in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction has not been reported in the literature as an indication for surgery. In addition, there has been no systematic research into the effect of relief of obstruction on existing hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction with hypertension diagnosed preoperatively, and how hypertension developed after relief of the obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients operated on at our institution in the last 10 years for relief of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

RESULTS: Data were evaluated on 227 patients treated for ureteropelvic junction obstruction during the period 1996 to 2006. Preoperatively 11 of these patients had been diagnosed with hypertension. Hypertension alone was the major indication for surgery in 7 of these 11 patients. Postoperatively 10 patients became normotensive, while 1 is still receiving antihypertensive medication.

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that hypertension should be looked for in patients with dilated or obstructed upper urinary tracts, and considered an indication for surgery. In the vast majority of cases relief of obstruction cures hypertension.