Hydronephrosis. It occurs when urine accumulates in the kidneys and cannot drain out of the bladder . The kidneys become inflamed from excess urine. The condition can affect one or both kidneys . Hydronephrosis is not a disease in itself, but is a sign of another disease or condition affecting the kidneys . Inflammation of the kidneys can lead to kidney damage.
Summary
[ hide ]
- 1 Causes that cause hydronephrosis
- 2 Risk factors
- 3 Symptoms
- 4 Diagnosis
- 5 Treatment
- 1 Treatment options include
- 6 Prevention
- 7 Links
- 8 Source
Causes that cause hydronephrosis
- An obstruction or defect in the urinary system that occurs at birth.
- Kidney stones.
- A blood clot.
- Scarring of the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneysto the bladder ).
- A tumor in the pelvic area (such as the bladder, cervix , colon, or prostate ).
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy.
- Enlarged uterusduring pregnancy.
- Persistent urinary tract infection in the kidneys.
- Neurogenic bladder.
- Injury to the structures of the urinary system (those caused by surgery or trauma).
Risk factors
- Defect in the urinary system that is present at birth.
- Cancer in the pelvic area.
- Pelvic surgery.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy.
- Neurogenic bladder.
- In pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Pain in the back, waist, lower abdomen or groin.
- Persistent pain when urinating or urinary frequency (due to urinary tract infections).
- Increased urgency for urination or urinary incontinence.
- Drip when you finish urinating.
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained itching
Diagnosis
- Urinalysis — to check for the presence of blood, protein, bacteria, or other evidence of kidney damage .
- Analysis of blood: to check for evidence of damage to the kidneys .
- Bladdercatheter insertion : A thin tube called a catheter that is inserted into the bladder to drain it.
- Abdominal ultrasound: A test where sound waves are emitted to examine the structures of the abdomen (in this case, the kidneys, ureters, and bladder ).
- Intravenous urography (or pyelogram): An x-ray test that uses contrast dye to assess the structure and function of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (may not be used if the kidneys are damaged).
- Computed tomography (ATC) angiography —a type of x-ray where a computer is used to make images of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A test where magnetic waves are used to generate images of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.
- Cystoscopy: A thin, lighted tube is inserted from the urethrainto the bladder to examine the lining.
- Evacuation cystourethrogram: X-rays of the bladderand urethra obtained during urination after contrast material has been placed in the bladder .
Treatment
- Drain excess urine from the kidneys.
- Remove the obstruction.
- Treat conditions that cause obstruction or reflux.
- Treat infections in the urinary system.
- Some causes of hydronephrosis resolve without treatment (such as in pregnancy and kidney stone cases).
Treatment options include
- Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections.
- Medicines (anticholinergics) to treat the neurogenic bladder.
- A tube that is inserted into the bladderto drain urine.
- Nephrostomy (a tube is inserted into an opening in the middle section to drain urine from the kidney).
- Surgery to remove an obstruction or to correct a defect in the urinary system.
- Surgery to remove part of the kidneysor both (rare).
Prevention
In general, the causes of hydronephrosis cannot be prevented. Timely treatment of conditions causing hydronephrosis reduces the risk of complications, for example, kidney failure .
