In the context of fetal malformations, rarely without a recognizable cause (idiopathic), fluid an accumulate in the child’s body cavity. Depending on the localization, one speaks of pleural effusion (water that surrounds the lungs), ascites (water that surrounds the intestine and abdominal organs), hydrops (fluid accumulation under the skin and in the body cavities), hydronephrosis (urinary congestion of the kidney pelvis), LUTO (lower urinary tract obstrucion/ jam in the child’s bladder).
These fluid buildups can cause compression of the heart, lungs, intestines, kidney tissue and other organs. In the worst case, this can lead to functional restrictions or even loss of function of the organs affected.
In individual cases and with the appropriate indication, it may make sense to create a connection between the fluid accumulation and the amniotic fluid by inserting a catheter or stent, thus relieving the stressed organ.