Diagnostic value of diuretic ultrasound in evaluating the need for reoperation in children undergoing pyeloplasty

Abstract Background Pyeloplasty currently stands as the standard treatment for UPJO. Our study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of sonographic parameters following Lasix administration in patients who underwent pyeloplasty to predict the recurrence of obstruction and the need for reoperation. Methods The study included 70 children with UPJO who underwent pyeloplasty. Renal ultrasound was performed on patients three to six months after pyeloplasty. Following the Lasix administration, the changes in ultrasound parameters at the 18th and 30th minute were documented. Within two weeks, patients underwent radioisotope renography. Diuretic ultrasound's diagnostic value in predicting the need for reoperation was assessed through a comparison with radioisotope renography. Results The average age of the patients was 3.94 ± 3.52 years. Anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis (APD) changes at 18 and 30 min, and the average APD after surgery at 18 and 30 min was significantly higher in patients requiring reoperation. The best cutoff point of APD changes in the 18th minute was 9.50 (sensitivity = 91.7%, specificity = 82.8%). The best cutoff point of APD after surgery in the 18th minute was 25.90 (sensitivity = 91.7%, specificity = 81.0%). The best cutoff points of the resistive index (RI) in the 18th and 30th minutes were reported as 0.70 (sensitivity = 41.7%, specificity = 50.0%) and 0.71 (sensitivity = 41.7%, specificity = 37.9%), respectively. Conclusions The assessment of ultrasound findings following pyeloplasty has revealed that changes in APD can serve as a reliable means for assessing the efficacy of the operation.