Before birth

In most cases, no treatment is needed before birth. Your baby may need to be born in a hospital where urgent surgery could be undertaken if it were needed, but this is rarely required.

After birth

Treatment will depend on the findings from the scans and tests your child has after they are born.

If your baby is found to have hydronephrosis during your pregnancy, after birth they maybe prescribed antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

For some children, PUJ dysfunction can get better on its own.

In most cases, the swelling remains the same for many years without affecting your child’s kidney function.

If the scans show that your child’s kidneys are very swollen or not working well, you may be referred to a paediatric urologist (a surgeon specialising in operations on the urinary system in children). They will consider whether an operation called a pyeloplasty is needed to remove the narrowed PUJ and then connect the pelvis of the kidney back to the healthy ureter.

In the future

Your child should be able to do all of the things that other children their age do. Your child should be able to go to nursery and school, play with other children and stay active.

Follow up

Your child will be followed up by a team of healthcare professionals, usually at a hospital. Your child will have regular monitoring scans, usually every 3-6 months over the first few years of life.

Long-term effects

In most babies and children, the degree of swelling is mild, and doesn’t progress over the first few years of life. At this point, scans will stop and nothing will need to be done unless your child develops symptoms. A very small number of children develop long-term problems with their kidneys and will need specialist follow-up throughout life.

Will it happen in future pregnancies?

PUJ dysfunction is not a condition that is inherited. This means that it is unlikely that a future pregnancy will be affected. However, if you have any concerns speak with your doctor for more information.

Further support

This can be a difficult and stressful experience for you and your family. If you have any concerns or need additional support, speak with your doctor or nurse.