Ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of urinary tract disorders in the fetus

Ultrasonic echography allows display of the fetal kidneys and urinary bladder from the 16th week of pregnancy, and the possibility of detection of a number of major congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract from that time. In the second half of pregnancy ultrasound has the key role in monitoring the progress of previously diagnosed abnormalities, particularly those of an obstructive nature. Sonologists thereby have an increasing responsibility in the obstetric care of the patient not only in the narrow field of diagnosis but in the wider field of management. Examples of conservative and surgical management of obstructive lesions are given.