Hydronephrosis is a condition where one kidney becomes swollen as urine fails to drain from the kidney to the bladder. Mostly, this occurs in one kidney, but both can be affected. This obstruction in the urinary tract could result in stones, fever, and pus or blood in the urine.
Sometimes, this blockage might occur due to narrowing of the ureter from an injury or birth defect. Early diagnosis here becomes important to initiate treatment on the immediate basis. It is easy to detect fetal hydronephrosis in the 12th and 14th week of gestation period. Today, antenatal screening of Hydronephrosis can precisely identify the anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract.
At Dr. Sanjeev Bagai’s clinic, we offer complete medical therapy and treatment for oligohydramnios in fetuses. We constantly regulate the pregnancy through ultrasound images showing renal pelvic dilation. Usually, the whole diagnosis procedure does not affect the delivery or the health of the child. Mostly, antenatal hydronephrosis is transient and resolves immediately after the delivery. However, in case it persists even after childbirth, the regression takes place automatically by the age of 3.
A child with vesicoureteral reflux is diagnosed using cystourethrogram (VCUG) in contrast with a catheter that is placed in the bladder. Many a times, diuretic renal scan is conducted to identify obstruction in severe cases of congenital hydronephrosis.
After complete testing, the babies are constantly monitored with ultrasounds held periodically. In some cases, the babies are found with a mild degree of blockage and can be easily treated with medicines and repeated tests. For children with vesicoureteral reflux, Antibiotic treatment is initiated, in order to prevent urinary tract infection. Surgical intervention becomes important in case the urinary tract is completely blocked.
Congenital Hydronephrosis also result in multicystic kidney, which affects one of the kidneys and not both. Usually, this is left untreated in the infancy unless it causes a severe problem with breathing and eating or any tumor or blockages. Ultrasounds are performed in such cases, at a regular interval of six months and one year of age. Enlarged multicystic kidney rarely occurs and it is removed by the doctor.
