Malformation of the fetal urinary system. A new obstetrical approach.

A case of prenatal diagnosis of prune belly syndrome is described. The ultrasound presumptive diagnosis was that of low urinary tract obstruction. Neonatal mortality with this defect is estimated to be approximately 50% and mainly arises from kidney damage. In order to achieve further information for obstetrical management, intrauterine bladder evacuation was performed and fetal urine production rate monitored by ultrasound. This approach is proposed as a new method of diagnosis and temporary therapy for those fetal malformations determining urinary stasis.