Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was recognized neonatally by voiding cystography in 25 of 117 infants with a dilated fetal urinary tract. There was a male preponderance (76%) and a high percentage (40%) of associated urinary malformations. Thirty-nine refluxing units were studied. All grades of VUR were detected but gross dilating VUR dominated (59%). Spontaneous resolution was excellent in lower grades of VUR but was poor in gross VUR. Surgery was successfully performed in 13 renal units of nine patients with gross reflux, additional ipsilateral malformations, or pyelonephritis during antibiotic prophylaxis. Segmental renal scars developed in four kidneys after urinary infections, and a diffuse parenchymal lesion was noted in nine kidneys even at birth. One boy with duplication had a non-functioning refluxing system. Our results in a small number of infants show differences to children with VUR detected after urinary infections and seem to support the existence of a congenital reflux nephropathy.

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The excellent identification of the anatomical structures, the minimal surgical trauma, the decrease in post-operative morbidity and the quick convalescence of the patients have made this new technique a viable alternative to routine open high ligation.

Our experience with 14 patients with renal cell carcinoma and solitary distant metastasis is reported. The treatment of choice is tumor nephrectomy and surgical removal of the metastasis simultaneously or within a short period of time. The average survival time with this treatment is 18.5 months (maximum 4 years, minimum 2 months).

Multicystic dysplastic kidneys (MCD) were found in 17 of 114 neonates with prenatal diagnosis of urinary tract malformations. Distribution of side and of sex was not different. Contralateral malformations were present in 3 infants. One of them with contralateral renal dysplasia and cardiac malformation died at the age of 4 weeks. All other children so far have a normal renal function. Three neonates presented with a palpable abdominal mass, 2 infants had urinary infections during the first year of life. Two neonates had obstruction of the contralateral kidney caused by the giant MCD which relieved after nephrectomy. Hypertension or development of malignancy were not noted. Nephrectomy was performed in 10 infants at the mean age of 3.2 months. Six infants had conservative treatment and a complete regression was noted in 5 of them within a period of 8 to 18 months. Prenatal diagnosis of MCD enables early recognition of contralateral urinary malformations and of problems caused by the MCD itself. Conservative treatment is recommended in all asymptomatic patients. Studies of the natural history may show that regression of MCD is the rule and could account for many cases with apparent unilateral renal agenesis.