Abstract

Hydronephrosis is a common congenital urinary tract anomaly in paediatric urology. Owing to the high availability of ultrasound examinations, most cases of hydronephrosis are detected during pregnancy. The most common cause of hydronephrosis in the paediatric age group is ureteropelvic junction type hydronephrosis (UPJHN). This condition is characterized by disturbed drainage of urine from the renal pelvis into the ureter, often due to an obstruction in the ureteropelvic segment of the kidneys. Without treatment, the obstruction can lead to irreversible kidney damage. However, a majority of antenatally detected hydronephrosis cases resolve on their own. It is important to skillfully apply various diagnostic measures to determine which children need treatment and who are expected to have a benign course and require only observation.
The article provides an overview of UPJHN, including its pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, treatment, and long-term effects on the child’s health.