Page 123 - Urological Health

Tests your baby may need

Ultrasounds Regular ultrasounds are done to check your baby’s kidneys
and bladder, and to see how the hydronephrosis changes
with time and/or treatment.

Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) A test to check the flow of urine to see if there is any reflux.
• A thin, plastic tube called a catheter is put into your baby’s
bladder through the urethra.
• A special dye is put into the bladder through the catheter.
• X-ray pictures are taken as the bladder fills and as your
baby passes urine.Then the catheter is removed.
MAG3 or Renal scan with Lasix A test to check how well the kidneys are working, and how
well urine drains from the kidneys into the bladder.
• Your baby is given a medication (radioactive isotope)
through an intravenous (IV) line.
• X-ray pictures are taken as the medication is taken up by
the kidney, then passed out in the urine.

What is the treatment for hydronephrosis?

Your baby may need to take a low dose of antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections. Antibiotics
are usually prescribed if your baby has had urinary tract infections, has vesicoureteral reflux or severe
hydronephrosis. Often there is no other treatment other than close monitoring with regular ultrasounds.

If a cause for the hydronephrosis is found, your baby may need surgery, such as:
• Pyeloplasty: surgery to correct UPJ obstruction.
• Ureteral re-implantation: surgery to correct vesicoureteral reflux or ureterovesical
junction obstruction (megaureter).
Babies with severe hydronephrosis may need surgery to create another pathway for urine to drain
effectively from the kidneys.

What are the long-term effects of hydronephrosis?

With early detection and treatment if needed, the outlook for most babies with hydronephrosis is
very good. The goal of treatment is to make sure that urine drains effectively from the kidneys. This
lets the kidneys make urine properly and prevents urinary tract infections.

If hydronephrosis is severe or left untreated, it could lead to repeated infections and/or kidney
damage.

If you have any questions about hydronephrosis or your baby’s health,
please talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner.

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