What is kidney enlargement?
What is kidney enlargement, seen in a significant proportion of male infants, which, although considered commonplace by some medical authorities, is actually likely to cause serious kidney problems? Kidney enlargement is roughly defined as a problem that occurs due to obstruction of the kidney channels and difficulty in exiting. So the problem is not that the kidneys are growing, but that they have to grow because of the blockage. If the source of the blockage is eliminated, most likely the baby will recover in the womb and a process can be followed as if this problem almost never occurred. However, if the obstruction continues, structural problems may occur, and after the birth of the baby, treatments should be carried out by specialist physicians in any way. Although this problem often goes unnoticed, it is one that deserves special investigation. Special analysis is required for this during ultrasonography.
How Is Kidney Enlarged Diagnosed?
Kidney enlargement is a problem that occurs in the womb and its diagnosis is only possible with ultrasound and special examinations. There is no serious change in the baby's image and the mother does not feel any symptoms. Of course, there may be a complete blockage in the kidney canals, in which case there will be a reaction as the health of the baby will deteriorate.
For diagnosis; The doctor's controls that the mother should continue during the pregnancy will be sufficient. During the routine control, the physician can make a preliminary diagnosis. At this point, depending on the severity of the situation, referral to the pediatric urology service can be made or the situation can be monitored for a while. In any case, if it is necessary to be sure, it may be useful to apply to this service for further examinations in case of such a possibility.
Is Kidney Enlargement Dangerous?
Kidney enlargement is not a health problem with a single type and outcome. In some cases, the obstruction occurs at a very low level and pregnancy can be completed without any intervention. In moderate growths, pregnancy continues under the supervision of a physician and intervention is rarely made. However, in some cases, the growth may be at advanced levels, in which case the baby may face the danger of kidney damage, not just kidney growth. In this case, intervention is absolutely necessary, which can reach the level of abortion.
There may be surgical interventions that can be performed in the womb to eliminate the obstruction that causes the kidney enlargement problem. Of course, in cases involving serious risk, this option is first evaluated. If the baby can be operated in the womb and the risk factor is advanced, this procedure is definitely performed. If the possibility of surgery is not seen, unfortunately, it may be necessary to make undesirable decisions at this point. However, the worst case is very unlikely and the incidence is very low. As long as there is no adverse event in the mother's amniotic fluid, the pregnancy is maintained to a large extent and the baby does not experience any serious risks. With the examinations to be made after birth, procedures that will ensure the baby's health can be developed and applied.
How is Kidney Enlargement Treated?
Kidney enlargement treatment is of course a clinical practice. As with all health problems concerning maternal and infant health; In this health problem, the only treatment authority is health institutions. Being under the control of a physician regularly during and after pregnancy will help you avoid these and similar health problems. Since the treatment procedure for this health problem is mostly surgical, there is not much action you can take individually anyway. You should never think about non-medical measures and treatments, and you should get support from specialist physicians in the treatment process of kidney enlargement in terms of the health of the mother and baby. Kidney enlargement is a disease that can be easily treated if detected in time and rarely has serious consequences. For this reason, it is of great importance that you do not disrupt your controls.