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Antenatal Renal Pelvic Dilatation: Swollen Kidney Tubes
01 In Brief
In 1-2 per cent of babies, the area where urine is formed in the kidney,(known as the renal pelvis) and/or the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder (known as the ureter) is dilated. This is detected on the 18-20 week antenatal ultrasound and serial measurements are used to determine the progress of the condition. In most cases this is a normal variation of development and resolves in late pregnancy or shortly after birth. When the dilation does not resolve this may indicate that the tube is blocked or there is reflux of urine up the tube from the bladder. Early detection and treatment is necessary to prevent kidney damage.
02 What Others Say
- Monash Ultrasound for Women
- South Devon Healthcare NHS fact sheet
Information about Dilated Renal Pelvis
- Intermountain Healthcare fact sheet for patients and families
03 I Want To Know More
UCSF Paediatric Urolgy handout for parents
Hydronephrosis : prenatal diagnosis
04 Clinicians Tools and Resources
• VicNets Neonatal Handbook
• RPA care of the newborn guidelines: go to Resources> Guidelines> agree to terms and conditions>
Follow up of Antenatal Renal Anomalies
The information is not intended to take the place of medical advice.
Please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Last updated: 29/06/2011 by Dr Elizabeth Hallam/Claire Galea*