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Hydronephrosis means urine retention in the kidney. It is a very dangerous condition that leads to kidney problems. As a consequence, it may even lead to end-stage failure of this organ. What are the causes and symptoms of hydronephrosis? How is this condition treated?

Hydronephrosisis diagnosed when the kidney produces the right amount of urine, but there is an obstruction in its drainage path (the kidney - ureter - bladder - urethra) or there is a narrowing of a part of the urinary tract, making it difficult to pass urine. As a result, it accumulates in the kidney and above the obstruction / narrowing. The consequence of this process is the enlargement of the kidney, specifically the so-called the kidney's cup-pelvic system. Such a condition can cause seriouscomplications- urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, and even kidney failure.

Hydronephrosis can occur not only in adults. Hydronephrosis is one of the most common malformations in children.According to research, this disease affects up to 2 percent. all children (mostly boys). On the other hand, during an ultrasound examination in pregnancy, hydronephrosis is detectedin one fetus in 1000.

Hydronephrosis - causes

  • kidneys(renal parenchyma collecting coils)

kidney cancer tumor; stones in the course of kidney stones; disorders in the functioning of the kidneys due to cystic tissue. In children, the frequent cause of hydronephrosis are congenital kidney defects - a narrowing of the pyeloureteral junction (the so-called sub-pyeloid obstruction).

  • ureter

ureteral cancer; ureterolithiasis; blood clot (closing the lumen of the ureter); ureteral stricture; renal papillary necrosis; ligation of the ureters during small pelvic surgery; swelling of the ureters;

  • urinary bladder

bladder cancer; bladder stones; neurogenic bladder (the bladder is unable to act as a urine reservoir); cystitis; Birth defects: narrowing of the bladder neck (this is where the bladder narrows and then becomes the urethra) and vesicoureteral reflux (urine drainage backwards from the urethra).bladder to ureter);

  • urethra

In men: phimosis and cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition, urethral calculi, urethral cancer, inflammation, urethral stricture, posterior urethral valves (a birth defect that occurs only in boys).

Hydronephrosis may also result from pressure on a fragment of the urinary system by aneurysms, retroperitoneal hematomas, other tumors within the abdominal cavity (including reproductive organs, e.g. cervical cancer), endometriosis. Also, injuries to the pelvis causing pressure on the urinary tract or their interruption can cause hydronephrosis. Other possible causes include diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease.

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Pregnant hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis in pregnancy is usually caused by the pressure of the enlarging uterus on the ureters (especially the right one). However, just in case, tests should be performed to exclude other possible causes of urine retention in the kidney, especially urinary tract infection, which is quite common in pregnancy.

CHECK>>URINARY SYSTEM INFECTION in pregnancy.

Hydronephrosis - symptoms

Hydronephrosis is usually detected accidentally as it is asymptomatic. However, if it already shows symptoms, they are uncharacteristic. In newborns and infants, the first symptom of hydronephrosis is a tumor in the abdominal cavity. Children complain of digestive system ailments: abdominal pain, lack of appetite, flatulence, diarrhea. You may also develop a fever, which indicates a urinary tract infection, often associated with hydronephrosis.

In adults, the characteristic symptom is dull pain in the lumbar region which radiates to the symphysis pubis, and in men to the testicles. The accompanying symptoms are gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension. In addition, hypertension often develops.

The way you urinate is also an important symptom. In the course of hydronephrosis, the following may occur:

  • frequent urination (polyuria);
  • frequent urination at night (nocturia);
  • anuria;
  • oligouria;

In addition, there may be burning and pain during urination, cloudy urine with a sharp smell (reminiscent of the smell of ammonia) and hematuria.

Hydronephrosis - diagnosis

If hydronephrosis is suspected, a series of urinary tests are performed. These include: ultrasound of the urinary system, renoscintigraphy (kidney examination with the use of an isotope) and cystography (examination of the bladder and urethra).

Hydronephrosis -treatment

Treatment for hydronephrosis depends on its cause. So if the urinary retention is caused by stones, the stones should be removed. In this case, lithotripsy is usually performed, i.e. a procedure consisting in crushing kidney and ureteral stones with shock waves generated extracorporeally.

CHECK>>Kidney stones - methods of treating kidney stones

If the cause of the ureter is a congenital anatomical defect, surgical treatment is required to correct the defect. In severe cases, surgery to reconstruct the renal pelvis may be necessary to allow the kidneys to open. In extreme cases (when the kidney is already badly damaged), the only method of treatment may be the complete removal of the kidney.

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Category:

Urology and Nephrology