Study of the Methods Used in the Initial Management of Upper Urinary Tract Obstruction

Abstract

Upper urinary tract obstruction accounts for about 10% of the causes of renal failure, and accordingly, immediate intervention is required to remove the obstruction and restore kidney function. The aim of the study was to examine the methods used in the initial management of upper urinary tract obstruction, which include ureteral catheterization (DJ) and percutaneous nephrostomy tube (PCN), with the goal of selecting the best method with the least impact on the patient's quality of life. The study included 120 patients attending the Urosurgery Department at Latakia University Hospital. They were divided into two groups: 64 patients were initially managed by ureteral catheter insertion, and 56 patients were managed by percutaneous nephrostomy tube insertion. The causes of obstruction were studied, and patients were followed up after the intervention with data recorded. The study showed the superiority of the percutaneous nephrostomy tube over the ureteral catheter in restoring renal function in patients with obstructive renal failure. The study recommends the use of percutaneous nephrostomy tube in managing complex obstruction cases while retaining the ureteral catheter for less complicated cases.