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Unilateral hydronephrosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

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

Alternative Names    Return to top

Hydronephrosis

Definition    Return to top

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

See also:  Bilateral hydronephrosis

Causes    Return to top

Hydronephrosis is a condition that occurs with a disease. It is not a disease itself. Conditions that are often associated with unilateral hydronephrosis include:

Unilateral hydronephrosis occurs in approximately 1 in 100 people.

Symptoms    Return to top

Note: Sometimes unilateral hydronephrosis does not have symptoms.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment and prognosis for unilateral hydronephrosis depend on what is causing the kidney swelling. Treatment may include:

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Prolonged hydronephrosis results in the eventual loss of kidney function.

Possible Complications    Return to top

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.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

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

Prevention    Return to top

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

References    Return to top

Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

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

Update Date: 1/24/2008

Updated by: Marc A. Greenstein, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. Urologist, Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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