Definition

Hydronephrosis is a backup of urine in one or both kidneys. This leads to swelling and pressure. It needs care right away.

Causes

This problem happens when urine cannot drain from the kidney to the bladder. It may be caused by a blockage from:

• Kidney stones
• Blood clots
• Growths or tumors
• Scarring from an accident or surgery
• An enlarged prostate
• Pregnancy
• Urinary tract infection

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Having any of the health problems that cause the condition
• Cancer treatment
• Neurogenic bladder

Symptoms

Some people do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:

• Pain in the back, waist, lower belly, or groin
• Problems urinating, such as:
  • Pain
  • Urgency
  • Urinating more or less than usual
  • The bladder not feeling emptied
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to see a doctor who treats kidney diseases.

Blood and urine tests will be done to look for problems with how the kidneys are working.

Images of the kidneys may be taken. This can be done with:

• Ultrasound
• X-rays
• CT scan
• MRI scan

A cystoscopy may also be done. It uses a lighted scope to view the bladder.

Other tests will be done to find a cause.

Treatment

The cause will need to be treated. This will allow urine to flow as it should. Some options are:

• Fixing defects in the kidney
• Removing a kidney stone that will not pass on its own
• Medicines to treat infection or ease pain
• Inserting a tube to drain excess urine
• Taking out of all or part of the kidney (rare)

Prevention

The risk may be lowered by managing health problems that can harm the kidneys.