NICU
Neonates, Infant, Newborn, Baby, Preemie
Hydronephrosis
What is Hydronephrosis?
Hydronephrosis is a condition in which there is an obstruction in the urinary tract, preventing urine from exiting the body. The narrowing can cause the urine to back up in the kidney, which is when hydronephrosis occurs. The condition can also happen if urine returns to the kidney from the bladder, which would make it abnormally flow in the opposite direction.
Treatment
In mild cases of hydronephrosis, an infant may simply be monitored by ultrasound and the condition may return to normal on its own. For more serious cases, medications may be administered. Surgery is also an option if the hydronephrosis does not appear it will correct itself, or if there a serious and imminent risk to the infant.
See also:
• Children's Hospital Boston