What is cortical thinning? What does it mean when there is a UPJ obstruction with some cortical thinning? My son (9 months old) has a UPJ obstruction with hydronephrosis , he has cortical thinning according to his last ultrasound and I was wondering what that means. We are faced with waiting 3 months to see if things get better or going into surgery for a pyeloplasty right now so I m trying to weigh our options and make the best decision for him.
Hello Kari. Maki, Welcome to Chat Doctor .com As I'm sure you know, ureteropelvic junction (UP) obstruction is a blockage in the area that connects the renal pelvis (part of the kidney) to one of the tubes (ureters) that moves urine to the bladder. UP obstruction generally occurs when a baby is still growing in the womb. This is called a congenital condition (present from birth). Most of the time, the blockage is caused when the connection between the ureter and the renal pelvis narrows. This causes urine to build up, damaging the kidney. The most severe cases of UP obstruction may require surgery early in life. However, the majority of cases may not require surgery until later in life, and some cases do not require surgery at all. Early diagnosis and treatment of UP obstruction may help preserve future kidney function. UP obstruction diagnosed before birth or early after birth may actually improve on its own.  Most patients do well with no long-term consequences. Significant kidney damage may occur in those who are diagnosed later in life. Current treatment options provide good long-term outcomes. Pyeloplasty provides the greatest long-term success. A tube called a stent may be placed to Chat Doctor.  A nephrology tube, which is placed in the patients side to 