Unilateral hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children: long term follow-up

Hydronephrosis is one of the most common urological disease detected on prenatal ultrasound; The aim of this study was evaluate the role of long-term follow-up in patients with unilateral hydronephrosis.

On January 2009, the medical charts of patients observed at the Department and Institution for unilateral hydronephrosis were reviewed, for a long-term follow-up evaluation (10 years). All diagnosis were done prenatally. Long term follow-up is described.

One hundred and seventy-four 174 patients were observed. At diagnosis grading of hydronephrosis was: 3% grade 0, 25% grade I, 41% grade II, 31% grade IV. At the end of the study, 94 patients underwent surgery, while 80 were managed conservatively.

Grade of hydronephrosis and renal function still remain the most important variables to decide the surgical management. Long-term follow-up shows that over the years many patients need surgery.