Hydronephrosis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment in Thane
Hydronephrosis is a condition in which one or both kidneys become swollen due to the buildup of urine. This occurs when urine cannot drain properly from the kidney to the bladder. If untreated, hydronephrosis can lead to kidney damage or chronic kidney disease.
Early detection and treatment prevent long-term complications.
🔍 What Is Hydronephrosis?
The kidneys filter blood and produce urine, which passes through the ureters into the bladder.
When there is a blockage or obstruction, urine backs up, causing the kidney to enlarge.
Hydronephrosis can affect:
- One kidney (unilateral)
- Both kidneys (bilateral)
Severity can range from mild swelling to severe kidney enlargement.
⚠️ Common Causes of Hydronephrosis
1️⃣ Kidney Stones
- Most common cause in adults
- Stones block urine flow in ureters
2️⃣ Urinary Tract Obstruction
- Narrowing of ureters (strictures)
- Enlarged prostate (BPH) in men
- Tumors compressing ureters
3️⃣ Congenital Abnormalities
- Ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children
- Malformed ureters or kidneys
4️⃣ Pregnancy
- Enlarged uterus can compress ureters temporarily
5️⃣ Blood Clots or Infection
- Severe urinary infection can cause blockage
- Blood clots may obstruct urine flow
🩺 Symptoms of Hydronephrosis
Many patients are asymptomatic initially. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the flank or lower back
- Abdominal swelling or fullness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Urinary problems: difficulty passing urine, frequent urination, or urgency
- Fever and chills (if infection present)
- Blood in urine
- Swelling in legs (in severe cases)
Sudden, severe pain may indicate a kidney stone causing acute blockage.
🧪 Diagnosis of Hydronephrosis
1️⃣ Physical Examination
- Abdominal or flank tenderness
- Palpable kidney swelling in severe cases
2️⃣ Ultrasound Kidney & Bladder
- Detects fluid accumulation
- Checks for stones or obstruction
3️⃣ Blood Tests
- Kidney function (Creatinine, BUN)
- Infection markers (CBC, CRP)
4️⃣ Urine Tests
- Urinalysis for infection or blood
- Urine culture if infection suspected
5️⃣ CT Scan / MRI
- Detailed imaging for complex obstruction
- Detect stones, tumors, strictures
6️⃣ Nuclear Scan / DTPA Scan
- Measures kidney function and drainage
💊 Treatment Options for Hydronephrosis
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and kidney function:
1️⃣ Medications
- Antibiotics for urinary infection
- Pain management for stones
- Supportive treatment for mild swelling
2️⃣ Procedures
- Ureteral stent placement – opens blocked ureter
- Percutaneous nephrostomy – temporary drainage of urine from kidney
- Stone removal procedures – lithotripsy, ureteroscopy
3️⃣ Surgery
- Pyeloplasty – corrects ureteropelvic junction obstruction
- Tumor removal or resection if mass causes obstruction
- Nephrectomy (rare) if kidney is severely damaged
4️⃣ Lifestyle & Prevention
- Stay hydrated
- Treat infections promptly
- Avoid repeated urinary obstruction
⚠️ When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
- Severe flank or abdominal pain
- Fever and chills
- Vomiting
- Blood in urine
- Sudden decrease in urine output
Delayed treatment can lead to irreversible kidney damage.
👨⚕️ Why Consult Dr. Ankur Bhanushali for Hydronephrosis?
- Expert in kidney and urinary tract conditions
- Advanced imaging and accurate diagnosis
- Minimally invasive procedures for stones or obstruction
- Emergency care for acute obstruction or infection
- Personalized treatment with follow-up for kidney function
🏥 FULL CLINIC & HOSPITAL DETAILS
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
📞 +91 86910 33066
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Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
👨⚕️ Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602
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