Hydronephrosis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hydronephrosis is a condition characterized by the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It happens when urine cannot drain out from the kidney to the bladder from a blockage or obstruction. Hydronephrosis can occur in one or both kidneys.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of hydronephrosis is obstruction in the urinary system which prevents urine from draining properly. Obstructions can occur at any point in the urinary system, from the kidneys to the urethra. Some common causes include:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of hydronephrosis depend on whether the condition is acute or chronic, the degree of obstruction, and whether it is on one side or both. In some cases, there may be no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Hydronephrosis is usually diagnosed using imaging tests. These may include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for hydronephrosis focuses on removing the obstruction and allowing urine to flow through the urinary system. This may involve:

See also[edit | edit source]

Hydronephrosis Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD