EARLY MANAGEMENT AND POSTNATAL INVESTIGATION OF PRENATALLY DIAGNOSED HYDRONEPHROSIS

The prime objective of this study-was to assess the benefits and pract icalities of an investigation protocol to identify, follow-up and inve stigate fetal uropathies in a manner to maximize efficiency, Over a on e-year-period, antenatal ultrasound examinations were performed on 426 8 consecutive pregnancies. Eighty fetuses had renal tract dilatation; these were followed up postnatally according to the protocol; 17 had s ignificant structural abnormalities requiring further follow-up, Hospi tal attendances were estimated to have been reduced by approximately 6 6% through the use of the protocol. The protocol for investigation and management of these patients is presented. The system implemented wor ked very smoothly and the subsequent findings and implications are dis cussed.