The use of a simple ureteral catheter for postoperative drainage in pediatric pyeloplasty: a retrospective single-center study

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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the safety and feasibility of ureteral catheters as an alternative postoperative drainage method in pediatric pyeloplasty.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted including 69 patients who underwent open pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) between 2010 and 2022. A simple ureteral catheter was used for postoperative drainage. In all cases, Hynes-Anderson open pyeloplasty was performed. An ultrasound evaluation of the renal pelvis was conducted at 2 months, 6 months, 12 months and annually thereafter.RESULTS: The overall success rate was 94.2%, with four patients (5.8%) experiencing urine leakage, which required the placement of a pigtail catheter under anesthesia. No severe complications occurred. Postoperative imaging showed a significant reduction in the anterior-posterior diameter of the renal pelvis.CONCLUSIONS: The use of ureteral catheters for postoperative drainage in pediatric pyeloplasty constitutes a safe, feasible and cost-effective approach, offering high success rates with minimal complications.