[Congenital anomalies of the pyeloureteral junction in children. Multicenter study of 985 anomalies in 883 children].

The authors report a survey of the French Group of Visceral Pediatric Surgery, concerning 985 congenital anomalies of the pyeloureteric junction in 883 children. 67.3% of them are boys. This article stresses the recent improvements in prenatal ultrasonography and diagnosis which is now able to individualize a homogeneous group of asymptomatic children ready to be repaired in the early post-natal period. Early reconstruction is associated with the greatest degree of recovery of renal function. In children, the average age is 4 years 9 months at diagnosis. In 43.6% clinical symptoms suggest an infectious problem. Pain is noted in 35.5% and an abdominal mass is discovered in 13.3%. Excretory urography (IVP), ultrasonography and cystography are still the main investigations to be done in all cases. But it is now necessary to use modern isotopic technics such as DMSA and diuretic DTPA to quantify obstruction with accuracy and follow long-term evolution after treatment. Treatment is surgical and conservative in 81.4%. Almost all of the uretero-pyeloplasties are performed according to the dismembered technic usually with temporary nephrostomy drainage. Renal reduction is reserved only for the redundant and decompensated renal pelvis. Morbidity is low (2.5%) and good results can be expected in about 95% of cases.