A condition known as fetal bladder outlet blockage occurs during pregnancy when the fetus’s urinary tract becomes obstructed, preventing urine from exiting the bladder. Consult Dr. Tejas Tamhane for a professional assessment and treatment of fetal bladder outlet obstruction in Pune.
Treatment of Fetal Bladder Outlet Obstruction In Pune: An Overview
Hearing that your baby may have a condition called Fetal Bladder Outlet Obstruction can be very overwhelming. As a parent, you want to understand what this means, how serious it is and what can be done to help your baby. In this blog, we will walk you through it.
What Is Fetal Bladder Outlet Obstruction?
Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO), another name for fetal bladder outlet obstruction, is a rare but dangerous disorder that occurs when there is a partial or whole blockage at the point where urine leaves the baby’s bladder. This is typically caused by a congenital condition known as posterior urethral valves (PUV), which is a collection of additional tissue flaps in the urethra. Urine flow may be disrupted by these flaps.
This obstruction causes the bladder to swell and thicken its walls. Over time, the pressure can damage not just the bladder, but also the kidneys and lungs, which depend on amniotic fluid for healthy development. Since urine makes up a major part of amniotic fluid, any disruption in this system can affect your baby’s overall well-being.
How Is It Diagnosed?
LUTO is typically picked up during a routine second-trimester ultrasound. You might hear your doctor say terms like “distended bladder“, “keyhole sign“, or “oligohydramnios“.
Once suspected, your fetal medicine specialist may trigger further tests:
- Targeted sonography to evaluate the bladder, kidneys and fluid levels in detail.
- Fetal urine sampling to check kidney function
Importance of Early Diagnosis
The earlier LUTO is identified, the more can be done to protect kidney function and prevent complications. Early intervention can reduce the risk of long-term kidney damage and support better lung development by improving fluid levels around your baby.
(Also Read: IVF Pregnancy Complications in Pune – Consult Dr Tejas Tamhane)
Treatment of Fetal Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Pune
The treatment plan for fetal bladder outlet obstruction depends on how severe the obstruction is, whether it’s affecting the kidneys and the gestational age of the baby. Some treatment options include:
1. Monitoring
In mild cases, close observation with regular ultrasounds may be all that’s needed during pregnancy. Your fetal medicine specialist will track bladder size, kidney appearance and fluid levels.
2. Intervention
The doctor can suggest a vesicoamniotic shunt if the issue is more severe and your baby is still in the early stages of pregnancy. Urine can drain into the amniotic sac thanks to a tiny tube that is placed into the baby’s bladder through the mother’s belly. It aids in the restoration of fluid and pressure surrounding the infant, both of which are critical for the development of healthy lungs.
3. Postnatal Surgery
After the baby is born, the underlying causes, like posterior urethral valves, can often be treated with surgery.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Fetal Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Pune
Fetal bladder outlet obstruction is a complicated diagnosis, but know that there are options available for your little one. When detected early in the pregnancy, the outcomes can be even more successful.
If you’ve any concerns or queries related to the treatment of fetal bladder outlet obstruction in Pune, consult Dr Tejas Tamhane, a highly experienced fetal medicine specialist, at Precious Clinic for Advanced Fetal Medicine.
