Fetal and neonatal hydronephrosis

Maternal ultrasonography makes it possible to easily detect hydronephrosis in the fetus, and therefore fetal "screening" should be part of every obstetrical ultrasonogram. However, the mere presence of fetal hydronephrosis virtually never means that either fetal intervention or early delivery is warranted. The importance of fetal case-finding is that it enables us to promptly (and electively) evaluate and treat the asymptomatic neonate before infection or other complications occur.