Renal Tract Dilatation
DEFINITION
Urinary Tract Dilatation (UTD) is a common finding on up to 5% of prenatal scans. UTD may refer to any degree of dilatation of the kidney, renal pelvis or ureter. It may also encompass certain abnormalities of the bladder as well.
While UTD is often benign and may not require any intervention, it can also be caused by conditions that require surgery in childhood.
The degree of dilatation does correspond to severity and the likelihood of needing intervention. The size criteria depends on the age of the patient, including antenatal gestation.
The most important causes of UTD are obstruction, and Vesico-Ureteric Reflux (VUR)
Royal Children’s Hospital - Clinical Practice Guidelines - Antenatal urinary tract dilation
GOALS OF CARE
The goal of care is to identify which children will need surgery, to prevent complications such as urinary tract infection, kidney damage, and kidney failure, and minimise suffering and inconvenience by advocating for balanced and sensible surveillance strategies.
OUTCOMES
Outcomes in UTD surgery depend on the pathology, it’s severity, and if it is affecting one or both kidneys. For 9 out of 10 patients, surgery is never required. For conditions affecting only one kidney, outcomes are excellent and long term complications are rare.
Please refer to specific conditions and their operations for further information.
OUR APPROACH
Dr Rob follows the widely regarded UTD classification system and guidelines.
Dr Rob offers circumcision to boys with UTD to foster a meaningful reduction in UTI risk, and reduce the need for long term antibiotic therapy.