da Vinci Surgery
 

Causes of Kidney Disorders

Blockage of the Ureters

The most common cause of a blockage of the ureter in children is a congenital obstruction at the point where the ureter joins the renal pelvis — the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). This is the area at the center of the kidney where urine collects and is funneled into the ureter - tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

During fetal development, a baby's kidneys first appear as buds inside the pelvis, near the bladder. As the kidneys develop, they climb gradually toward their normal position near the rib cage in the back. Sometimes, one of the kidneys fails to make the climb. It may stop after making part of the climb or remain in the pelvis. A child rarely has two ectopic kidneys. This problem occurs in about one in 1,500 children.1

In UPJ obstruction, the kidney produces urine at a rate that exceeds the amount of urine able to drain out of the renal pelvis into the ureter. This causes accumulation of urine within the kidney. This accumulation is also called hydronephrosis and is easy to see on an ultrasound. This allows the physician to predict the presence of UPJ obstruction before the baby is born.

Although less common in adults, UPJ obstruction maybe caused by kidney stones, previous surgery(ies) or disorders that cause inflammation of the upper urinary tract.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

  1. "Ectopic Kidneys", National Urological Association Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org, URL: http://urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=02&topic=122
  2. Ibid.

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