Clinical aspects of hydronephrosis in Khartoum

Two hundred and thirty two patients with hydronephrosis were managed during the period 1982 to 1987. The peak incidence occurred between 20 and 30 years of age. 29% of the patients had history of urinary bilharziasis at presentation. Intravenous urography (IVU) was performed in 227 (98%) patients and it was diagnostic in 83% of them. Ultrasonography, retrograde and antegrade pyelography were among other methods of investigations. Hydronephrosis was bilateral in 56 patients. The commonest cause of hydronephrosis were idiopathic pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction, urinary bilharziasis and retroperitoneal fibrosis. 206 patients required surgical intervention to relieve obstruction. 184 patients attended the follow-up clinics for 6 months or more. The findings of the post-operative follow-up IVU are discussed.