Hydronephrosis is a condition characterized by an inflammation of the kidney due to the accumulation of urine. When this happens, the kidneys swell from excess urine, which cannot be emptied into the bladder.
Prognosis of the disease
Symptoms can usually be relieved with proper treatment. However, if it takes too long, the kidneys can be permanently damaged and may even lead to eventual loss of kidney function.
Symptoms of hydronephrosis
The symptoms depend on the cause, the location of the obstruction, and the duration, but generally, the symptoms associated with hydronephrosis are the following:
- more frequent urination
- Increased need to urinate
- pain when urinating
- urinary tract infection
- Fever
- Sickness
- vomiting
- pain in the abdomen
- cloudy colored urine
- painful urination
- Back pain
Medical tests for hydronephrosis
To properly treat hydronephrosis, it is essential to establish an early diagnosis. In this way, total loss of kidney function can be prevented. In addition, several tests can be performed to diagnose hydronephrosis.
First, a physical examination should be performed, palpating the abdomen to see if the kidney is inflamed. Bladder catheterization is usually done afterward to check the location of the obstruction.
On the other hand, imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may also be done to examine the severity of the swelling and locate the area of the obstruction.
What are the causes of hydronephrosis?
The most frequent causes of this pathology are usually the following:
- Stones or kidney stones
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostate cancer
- tumors in the ureter
- polyps in the ureter
Can it be prevented?
The causes of hydronephrosis cannot be prevented in most cases, but early diagnosis and proper treatment to treat the cause of the condition can reduce the risk of complications, such as kidney failure.
Treatments for hydronephrosis
There are different types of treatment for hydronephrosis to remove the obstruction to the flow of urine. Depending on the cause of hydronephrosis, one treatment option or another will be established.
On the one hand, a ureteral endoprosthesis can be inserted, a tube that facilitates the passage of urine.
Alternatively, a nephrostomy tube can be inserted to drain the urine through the back.
It can also be treated with antibiotics that control the infection.
In some cases, surgery to remove scar tissue, a blood clot, or a kidney stone may be indicated if these cause the blockage.
