Hydronephrosis

Description Hydronephrosis is s...

Description

Hydronephrosis is swelling inside the part of the kidney called the pelvis. Hydronephrosis can occur on one side of the body (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). Hydronephrosis is not a disease in and of itself. It is caused by blockage of urine flow out of the kidney. The blockage can be in the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder (ureter), inside the bladder or inside the urethra (the tube that drains urine outside the body. Causes include an enlarged prostate in men, kidney stones, scarring, pregnancy and tumors

Symptoms

Symptoms may be mild or severe depending on the cause of hydronephrosis and how quickly it developed. They may include flank or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty with bladder control and dribbling. The first symptom may be fever and flank pain from infection in the kidney.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and urine tests will be required. The diagnosis is made with an ultrasound or CT scan that provides images of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.

Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, Urine Culture

Specialists:
Urology, Pediatric Urology

Treatment

Treatment depends on the amount of hydronephrosis, effects on kidney function and the underlying cause of the hydronephrosis. Treatment will be focused on removing the blockage of the ureter. If a urinary tract infection is present, antibiotics will be used. In some cases, a procedure may be required to allow urine to flow out of the kidney and/or to unblock the ureter. This may include placement of a ureteral stent (tube placed into the ureter) or a nephrostomy tube (tube placed into the kidney pelvis through the back).