Etymed
ureteropelvic junction obstruction
Definition
A medical condition where the connection between the ureter and the renal pelvis is blocked or narrowed, preventing urine flow from the kidney to the bladder
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with intermittent flank pain and decreased urine output. Imaging reveals hydronephrosis with a dilated renal pelvis and narrowed ureteropelvic junction. The patient undergoes a pyeloplasty to correct the obstruction. This condition most commonly occurs at the ureteropelvic junction due to congenital narrowing or external compression.
Mnemonic
UPJ = Ureter-Pelvic Junction - think 'UP' for 'Urine Pathway' obstruction at the 'Junction' point
These morphemes also unlock…
- ureter/o — ureter
- pelv/o — pelvis
- junction — join
- obstruct/o — block