Renal Cortical Shear Wave Elastography as a Predictor of Functional Recovery After Open Pyeloplasty for Unilateral Pediatric Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: A Prospective Cohort Study
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is an important cause of hydronephrosis and potentially reversible renal functional impairment in children. Although open pyeloplasty is an effective standard treatment, the degree of postoperative renal functional recovery varies between patients. This prospective observational cohort study will evaluate whether renal cortical shear wave elastography can predict renal functional recovery after open pyeloplasty in children with unilateral primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Renal cortical shear wave elastography will be assessed before surgery and during follow-up, and the change in elastography values will be compared with renal isotope findings after surgery. The primary objective is to evaluate the predictive value of the change in renal cortical shear wave elastography from baseline to 3 months after surgery for isotope-defined renal functional recovery at 6 months after open pyeloplasty.
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years.
• Diagnosis of unilateral primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
• Planned for open dismembered pyeloplasty.
• Availability of preoperative renal ultrasonography, renal cortical shear wave elastography, and diuretic renography.
• Written informed consent obtained from parent or legal guardian.