ABOUT THE DISEASE

Hydronephrosis is a condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen as a result of backward pressure of urine on the kidneys, when the flow of urine is blocked, leading to a build up of urine inside the kidneys. It can be unilateral or bilateral.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms depend on the location and duration of the blockage, and include:

• • Pain, in the back or side, between ribs & hip.
• • Swelling of the abdomen.
• • Nausea and vomiting.
• • Fever.
• • Pain while passing urine - dysuria.
• • Urgency/frequency of urination.
• • Frequent infection of the urinary tract.

CAUSES

Hydronephrosis is caused as a result of some disease and is not a disease in itself. The causes of this condition include:
- Congenital or birth defect of the kidney or ureter.
- Blockage at the point where the kidney joins the ureter.
- Stones and blood clots in the kidney (Nephrolithiasis) or ureter.
- Cancer, injury, or infection of the ureter.
- Scar tissue formation.
- Cancer of bladder, cervix or prostate gland.
- Abnormality of the nerves or muscles of the kidney or ureter.
- Lower part of the ureter protruding into the bladder (ureterocele).
- Vesicouereteric reflux - Backflow of urine.
- Both the kidneys can be affected during pregnancy. This is because the enlarging uterus presses on the ureters and blocks the flow of urine.

DIAGNOSIS

- Abdominal ultrasound / CT Scan or a MRI

TREATMENT METHODS

Treatment plan depends upon what is causing the kidney swelling. Treatment may include:
• Placing a ureteral stent (tube that allows the ureter to drain into the bladder)
• Placing a nephrostomy tube (allows the blocked urine to drain through the back)
• Giving antibiotics for infections.
• Breaking down of the stone (lithotripsy).

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