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  1. Home
  2. Health Library
  3. Diseases and Conditions
  4. Hydronephrosis of one kidney

Hydronephrosis of one kidney

Diseases and Conditions
Hydronephrosis; Chronic hydronephrosis; Acute hydronephrosis; Urinary obstruction; Unilateral hydronephrosis; Nephrolithiasis - hydronephrosis; Kidney stone - hydronephrosis; Renal calculi - hydronephrosis; Ureteral calculi - hydronephrosis; Vesicoureteral reflux - hydronephrosis; Obstructive uropathy - hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis is swelling of one kidney due to a backup of urine. This problem may occur in one kidney.

Hydronephrosis (kidney swelling) occurs as the result of a disease. It is not a disease itself. Conditions that may lead to hydronephrosis include:

  • Blockage of a ureter due to scarring caused by prior infections, surgeries, or radiation treatments
  • Blockage from an enlarged uterus during pregnancy
  • Birth defects of the urinary system
  • Back flow of urine from bladder to kidney, called vesicoureteral reflux (may occur as a birth defect or due to an enlarged prostate or narrowing of the urethra)
  • Kidney stones
  • Cancers or tumors that occur in the ureter, bladder, pelvis or abdomen
  • Problems with the nerves that supply the bladder

The blockage and swelling of the kidney may occur suddenly or may develop slowly.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • Flank pain
  • Abdominal mass, especially in children
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Fever
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Increased urinary urgency

In some cases, there may be no symptoms.

Exams and Tests

The condition is found on an imaging test such as:

  • MRI of the abdomen
  • CT scan of the kidneys or abdomen
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  • Kidney scan
  • Ultrasound of the kidneys or abdomen

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the kidney swelling. Treatment may include:

  • Placing a stent (tube) through the bladder and ureter to allow urine to flow from the kidney into the bladder
  • Placing a tube into the kidney through the skin, to allow the blocked urine to drain out of the body into a drainage bag
  • Antibiotics for infections
  • Surgery to correct the blockage or reflux
  • Removal of any stone that is causing blockage

People who have only one kidney, who have immune system disorders such as diabetes or HIV, or who have had a transplant will need treatment right away.

People who have long-term hydronephrosis may need antibiotics to reduce the risk of UTI.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Loss of kidney function, UTI, and pain may occur if the condition is left untreated.

Possible Complications

If hydronephrosis is not treated, the affected kidney may be permanently damaged. Kidney failure is rare if the other kidney is working normally. However, kidney failure will occur if there is only one functioning kidney. UTI and pain may also occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have ongoing or severe flank pain, or fever, or if you think you may have hydronephrosis.

Prevention

Prevention of the disorders that cause this condition will prevent it from occurring.

References

Frøkiaer J. Urinary tract obstruction. In: Skorecki K, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Taal MW, Yu ASL, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 38.

Kachroo N, Leavitt DA. Hydronephrosis. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018: 643-644.e1.

Zeidel ML. Obstructive uropathy. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 123.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 1/23/2018

Reviewed By: Sovrin M. Shah, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

 
 
 

 

 

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Related Information

  • Bilateral hydronephrosis

  • Reflux nephropathy

  • Kidney stones

  • Acute kidney failure

  • Kidney stones

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