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Unilateral hydronephrosis

Definition

Unilateral hydronephrosis is swelling of one kidney due to a backup of urine.

See also:  Bilateral hydronephrosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hydronephrosis is a condition that occurs with a disease and is not a disease itself. Treatment and prognosis for unilateral hydronephrosis depend what is causing the kidney swelling.

Conditions that are often associated with unilateral hydronephrosis include:

Unilateral hydronephrosis occurs in approximately 1 in 100 people.

Symptoms

  • Flank pain
  • Abdominal mass
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Fever
  • Dysuria
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Increased urinary urgency
Note: Sometimes unilateral hydronephrosis does not have symptoms.

Signs and tests

Unilateral hydronephrosis is usually identified with tests such as the following:

Treatment

Treatment may include:

  • A ureteral stent (tube that allows the ureter to drain into the bladder) 
  • A nephrostomy tube (allows the blocked urine to drain through the back)
  • Antibiotics for infections

Patients who have only one kidney, who have immune-compromising disorders such as diabetes or HIV, or who have received a transplant should be treated promptly.

Preventative antibiotics may be prescribed to decrease the risk of urinary tract infections in patients who have long-term hydronephrosis.

Expectations (prognosis)

Prolonged hydronephrosis results in the eventual loss of kidney function.

Complications

If hydronephrosis is left untreated, the affected kidney may be permanently damaged. kidney insufficiency or kidney failure is rare with unilateral hydronephrosis because the other kidney usually functions normally. However, if the patient has only one functioning kidney, kidney failure will occur.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have prolonged or severe flank pain, or if you suspect hydronephrosis.

Prevention

Prevention of the disorders associated with unilateral hydronephrosis will prevent this condition.

References

Walsh PC. Campbell's Urology. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2002.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Illustrations

Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract

Page Content:

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