[Percutaneous nephrostomy in utero for bilateral foetal hydronephrosis]

Left percutaneous nephrostomy was performed in a 30-week foetus with bilateral hydronephrosis due to abnormal pyelo-ureteral junction. Puncture of the pelvis and insertion of a 5 cm long F8 Malecot catheter were carried out under ultrasonography. The end of the catheter was left free in the amniotic fluid. Drainage was perfect during 3 weeks, until the skin of the foetus grew over the end of the catheter. At 34 weeks, a much longer catheter was introduced, but it was dislodged from the kidney within 48 hours. Vaginal delivery was induced at 37 weeks, giving birth to a normal male child. On the 4th day after birth the catheter was removed and resection-anastomosis of the left pyelo-ureteral junction was performed.