What is the most common cause of hydronephrosis found in prenatal ultrasound?

The most common cause of prenatal hydronephrosis is an obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). This is where urine flows out of the kidney and into the ureter tube. The obstruction is most often due to a narrowing of that passageway.

What can I expect when my baby is born with hydronephrosis?

After an infant is born, hydronephrosis may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease.

How long does it take to recover from pyeloplasty?

Recovery. Time to complete recovery is typically 3-4 weeks compared with 8 weeks for open pyeloplasty.

Can UPJ cause pain?

UPJ obstruction may also cause pain without an infection. Some cases of UPJ obstruction are not clear. Urine may drain normally at times, and at other times be blocked. This causes pain that comes and goes.

Does fetal hydronephrosis go away?

Unborn babies with fetal hydronephrosis do not typically experience problems in the womb. In half of all cases, the condition resolves on its own by the third trimester. If the condition persists, it usually improves after childbirth without treatment.

Is hydronephrosis more common in males or females?

Hydronephrosis is more often seen in males than females. Some studies show that as many as 2 percent of all prenatal ultrasound examinations reveal some degree of hydronephrosis, making it one of the most commonly detected abnormalities in pregnancy.

Is pyeloplasty surgery painful?

You or your child may feel some pain after pyeloplasty. The pain may go away after a week and you or your child will be given medications to help minimize this pain.

Can a UPJ obstruction come back after surgery?

Once the UPJ obstruction is fixed, it almost never comes back. Note that patients who have had UPJ obrstruction may have a slightly greater risk of future kidney stones or infection. This is because the kidneys may still contain some pooled urine, even though overall drainage is improved.

Can UPJ obstruction resolve itself?

Most cases of UPJ obstruction actually do not require surgery and resolve on their own. However, if patients exhibit pain, recurrent infections, evidence of worsening function or increasing swelling, they may require a surgery called a pyeloplasty to prevent kidney injury and correct the blockage.

When does an UPJ obstruction occur in a fetus?

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a blockage in the area that connects the renal pelvis (part of the kidney) to one of the tubes (ureters) that move urine to the bladder. It generally occurs when a baby is still growing in the womb.

What causes UVJ obstruction in the uterus during pregnancy?

Causes. UVJ obstruction usually occurs during fetal development. Most of the time, the blockage is caused when the connection between the ureter and the bladder narrows. UVJ obstruction can also be due to scar tissue, infection, a benign polyp or kidney stones.

When does ureteropelvic junction ( UPJ ) obstruction occur?

UPJ obstruction usually occurs during fetal development. Most of the time, the blockage is caused when the connection between the ureter and the renal pelvis narrows.

What does UPJ stand for in medical terms?

The term ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction describes a blockage to this area. The obstruction impedes the flow of urine down to the bladder, causing the urine to back up in the kidney and dilate it ( hydronephrosis ).