What is pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) dysfunction and obstruction?
The pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) is the area of the body where the pelvis of the kidney joins the ureter.
PUJ dysfunction and obstruction is a type of congenital anomaly of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT):
- congenital – the problem is present at birth
- anomaly – different from normal
PUJ dysfunction and obstruction can affect one or both of your child’s kidneys. It occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage where the renal pelvis meets the ureter, the tube that drains your child’s urine into their bladder. The kidney(s) becomes swollen because the urine they make can’t drain into the bladder as quickly as it is produced. This swelling is called hydronephrosis.
The word ‘dysfunction’ is usually used to begin with. Later, if the narrowing gets worse and surgery is needed, the word ‘obstruction’ may be used. PUJ dysfunction and PUJ obstruction refer to the same condition.
More about the urinary system.
Most cases of PUJ dysfunction are present from birth but in very rare circumstances, it may be acquired. This means that your child was not born with the problem but developed it over time.
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