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Cardiology21 papers

Duplicated collecting system without obstruction

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Duplicated collecting systems without obstruction refer to congenital anomalies where a kidney has two ureteric orifices draining into separate collecting systems without evidence of obstruction or functional impairment 12.

Diagnosis

  • Imaging: Ultrasound, CT urography, or MRI to identify dual collecting systems 12.
  • Excretory urography: May show separate drainage patterns 2.
  • No specific laboratory tests: Routine blood tests and urinalysis typically normal unless complications arise 1.
  • Management

  • Observation: Often managed conservatively with regular follow-up imaging to monitor for any changes 12.
  • Surgical intervention: Reserved for symptomatic cases or complications; specific techniques not detailed in provided abstracts 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: No specific guidelines provided in abstracts; general principles of conservative management apply 1.
  • Pediatrics: Early detection and monitoring are crucial; surgical correction may be considered if complications develop 2.
  • Elderly: Conservative management favored due to increased surgical risks; individualized assessment recommended 1.
  • Comorbidities: Management tailored to comorbidities; no specific drug treatments mentioned for duplicated collecting systems alone 12.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Routine micropuncture access is not necessary for percutaneous nephrostomy in duplicated collecting systems without obstruction; conventional large-bore needle approach may be preferred due to fewer needle passes and potentially shorter procedure duration (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
  • Regular imaging follow-up is essential to monitor for any development of obstruction or complications in duplicated collecting systems (Evidence: Expert opinion) 2.
  • Conservative management is typically sufficient for duplicated collecting systems without obstruction, reserving surgical intervention for symptomatic cases or complications (Evidence: Moderate) 12.
  • References

    1 Clark TW, Abraham RJ, Flemming BK. Is routine micropuncture access necessary for percutaneous nephrostomy? A randomized trial. Canadian Association of Radiologists journal = Journal l'Association canadienne des radiologistes 2002. link 2 Deliveliotis C, Sofras F, Picramenos D, Bellos C, Stavropoulos NJ, Becopoulos T. A rare case of gigantic calyx dilatation manifested as renal ectopia. International urology and nephrology 1995. link 3 Walker RD, Richard GA, Bueschen AJ, Retik AB. Pathophysiology and recoverability of function and structure in obstructed kidneys. The Urologic clinics of North America 1980. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Is routine micropuncture access necessary for percutaneous nephrostomy? A randomized trial.Clark TW, Abraham RJ, Flemming BK Canadian Association of Radiologists journal = Journal l'Association canadienne des radiologistes (2002)
    2. [2]
      A rare case of gigantic calyx dilatation manifested as renal ectopia.Deliveliotis C, Sofras F, Picramenos D, Bellos C, Stavropoulos NJ, Becopoulos T International urology and nephrology (1995)
    3. [3]
      Pathophysiology and recoverability of function and structure in obstructed kidneys.Walker RD, Richard GA, Bueschen AJ, Retik AB The Urologic clinics of North America (1980)

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