UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Hydronephrosis
Swelling and dilation of the kidney due to urine build-up from a blockage in the urinary tract , requires urgent investigation and relief to preserve renal function.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Hydronephrosis?
Hydronephrosis is the distension of the renal pelvis and calyces due to impaired urine outflow. It can be unilateral or bilateral, acute or chronic. Common causes include kidney stones, UPJ obstruction, ureteral stricture, and tumours. Without treatment, the back-pressure gradually destroys functional kidney tissue. Dr. Vipin provides urgent decompression to protect renal function and then definitively treats the underlying obstructive cause to achieve lasting recovery of kidney drainage.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Kidney stones causing ureteral obstruction
- UPJ (ureteropelvic junction) obstruction
- Ureteral stricture from infection or injury
- Prostate enlargement compressing the ureter
- Pelvic tumour or retroperitoneal fibrosis
- Vesicoureteral reflux in children
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Ultrasound confirms hydronephrosis. CT urogram identifies the site and cause of obstruction.
MAG3 or DTPA diuretic renography quantifies renal function and drainage impairment.
Infected hydronephrosis (pyonephrosis) requires immediate PCN drainage , a surgical emergency.
Anderson-Hynes laparoscopic pyeloplasty is gold standard for UPJ obstruction , >95% success.
JJ stenting provides temporary drainage while definitive surgical treatment is planned.
Renal function recovers if obstruction is relieved before irreversible damage occurs.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Pyeloplasty , Laparoscopic / Robotic
Reconstruction of the ureteropelvic junction through minimally invasive surgery , the gold standard treatment for UPJ obstruction causing hydronephrosis, with >95% long-term success.
- 1
Imaging & Function
Ultrasound, CT urogram, and MAG3 renography confirm the degree of hydronephrosis, identify its cause, and quantify residual kidney function.
- 2
Emergency Drainage
A JJ stent or percutaneous nephrostomy is placed urgently when infection, pain, or impending renal failure requires immediate decompression.
- 3
Definitive Treatment
The underlying cause , stone, UPJ obstruction, stricture, or tumour , is definitively treated once the patient is stabilised.
- 4
Follow-up Imaging
Repeat MAG3 scan at 3 months confirms resolution of obstruction and recovery of renal function after repair.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Percutaneous Nephrostomy (PCN)
Emergency antegrade kidney drainage via a skin puncture under imaging guidance to decompress an obstructed, infected, or failing kidney.
DJ / JJ Stent Insertion
Internal ureteric stent placed endoscopically to restore kidney-to-bladder drainage and relieve hydronephrosis.
Pyeloplasty — Open / Laparoscopic / Robotic
Surgical reconstruction of the ureteropelvic junction to relieve congenital or acquired UPJ obstruction , >95% success rate.
Nephrectomy (non-functioning kidney)
Removal of a kidney rendered non-functional by longstanding hydronephrosis , performed laparoscopically with rapid recovery.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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