Antenatal hydronephrosis: trends and management

Hydronephrosis is the dilatation of the collecting system of the kidney. Prenatal ultrasound has significantly increased the detection rate for fetal abnormalities during the past 20 years. The wide range of management and treatment options for antenatal hydronephrosis often leave health care providers and families with questions about the appropriateness of referral to a pediatric urologist and the need for postnatal screening. Pre and postnatal management, radiologic findings, and treatment options are reviewed and three case scenarios presented.