Dilatation of the urinary tract, a common congenital malformation

Congenital malformations are abnormalities of the human body that are present from birth. They occur in few cases but the most frequent are those related to urological malformations, such as dilatation of the urinary tract.

Detection of a malformation

Prenatal diagnosis is vital for early detection of any anomaly. The pediatrician or pediatric urologist studies possible conditions by means of various tests such as ultrasound, voiding cystography, scintigraphy, diuretic renogram, etc.

Minimally invasive surgery

As in other specialties, minimally invasive pediatric surgery techniques are also used in pediatric surgery. They allow pathologies to be resolved with the same reliability, with fewer incisions, less pain and rapid recovery. Endourological techniques, for example, use the child’s natural pathways to intervene, in this case the urinary tract.

Common urological malformations

  • Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the retrograde passage of urine from the bladder to the kidney. It requires surgical or endoscopic treatment by injection of a substance.
  • Primitive obstructive megaureter is a dilatation of the ureter due to an obstruction at the end of the ureter. It is operated only if there are complications or if conservative treatment does not work.
  • Pyeloureteral stenosis. The pyeloureteral junction is the most frequent location of obstruction in the urinary tract. This obstruction can be detected at any time of life.