Hydronephrosis:

Definition:

• Excessive urine buildup in the renal pelvis causing dilation of the renal pelvis.  Urinary obstruction causes urine to build up in renal pelvis increases pressure, compresses blood vessels, leading to renal ischemia.

Impacts:

• • Damage to nephrons from pressure.
  • Loss of kidney function over time.

Urinary Tract Obstructions that could cause Hydronephrosis:

• • Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate cancer
  • Tumors
  • Inflammation, Infection
  • Ureter or Urethral Scarring, Strictures, Stenosis (narrowing)
  • Congenital Defects:
    • Dysplasia-agenesis of ureter = failure of ureter to develop during embryogenesis
    • Posterior vesicoureteral valve obstruction (bladder valve obstruction)
  • Renalcalculi
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (genetic inherited disorder)

Symptoms:

• may include pain, difficulty urinating, flank pain, or asymptomatic.

Diagnosis:

• Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT) to identify structural causes

Key point:

• Obstruction should be identified and treated promptly to prevent permanent kidney damage.