Antenatally Detected Hydronephrosis and Pelvi Ureteric Junction Obstruction from a Surgical Viewpoint

Screening for anomalies in the antenatal period has resulted in a rapid surge in the identification of fetal hydronephrosis, which forms a formidable task for the treating physician.

Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction ranks the foremost among the children with antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis. The dilemma of whether a dilated pelvicalyceal system is obstructed, and in need of surgical intervention to salvage from renal impairment, is a relevant point in the post-natal management of hydronephrosis detected antenatally.

Majority of Hydronephrosis detected antenatally would require observation and the renal units identified to have obstruction need to be followed up with appropriate decision making on the need for surgery.