Hydronephrosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Top Specialists

Hydronephrosis is a condition where the kidneys swell due to fluid buildup. Imagine a water balloon. If you store a glass of water, it can be easily handled, but when you fill it with more water, the balloon keeps expanding; it is similar to the kidneys, as the fluid builds up, increasing the swelling.

Hydronephrosis is not a disease, but it can lead to complex kidney diseases if left untreated.

Did you know 1 in 100 live births in the US face congenital hydronephrosis?

Hydronephrosis is not age-limited; it can affect anyone, children or adults.

When your kidneys are unable to drain the fluid properly, it can lead to swelling of one or both kidneys. With early detection and proper care, hydronephrosis can be managed effectively.

Read on as we uncover what hydronephrosis is, its causes, symptoms and when to reach for the best specialists in Bengaluru.

What Causes Hydronephrosis? Symptoms to Watch Out For

When one or both of your kidneys fail to drain the urine to the bladder, it causes swelling of the kidneys. This is known as Hydronephrosis.

Causes of Hydronephrosis

As hydronephrosis can affect anyone, there are varied causes; a few common ones include:

• Kidney Stones

Kidney or ureteral stones block the normal urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, causing swelling of the kidneys. This is the most common cause of hydronephrosis in adults.

• Ureteral Stricture

Stricture refers to the narrowing or scarring of the ureter, which affects the urine flow. Stricture can be caused due to past surgeries, recurrent infections or injury.

• Prostate Enlargement

In men over 50 years of age, a quite common condition is prostate enlargement, when the enlarged prostate presses the bladder, which can affect the urine flow and block the kidneys from passing down the urine.

• Pregnancy

A temporary hydronephrosis is common in pregnant women; the uterus, which is growing, can pressurize the ureters, and the hormones can relax the urinary tract.

• Congenital Blockage

A few babies have structural problems in the urinary tract since birth, like PUJ obstruction, which can lead to hydronephrosis from birth.

• Tumour

Cancer growth in the tract or nearby organs, which can affect the urine flow and passage, can cause kidney swelling.

Hydronephrosis Symptoms to Watch for:

• Flank/back pain

• Nausea/vomiting

• Changes in the urine stream

• Difficulty urinating

• Change in urgency or frequency of urination

• Fever with chills

• Infections (UTIs)

• Blood in urine

• Look out if your child is crying constantly due to poor feeding.

Hydronephrosis can be detected in infants when they are in the womb or shortly after birth.

Best Urologists and Hospitals in Bangalore for Hydronephrosis Treatment

With advanced technology and globally trained doctors, NU Hospitals is the preferred hospital for any kidney or urology-related problems.

Treating hydronephrosis requires the collaboration of a urologist and a nephrologist to address the underlying cause and optimise kidney function.

NU Hospitals is the only dedicated urology and nephrology hospital in Bangalore.

Our experts are backed by state-of-the-art equipment, advanced technologies, and world-class diagnostic tools to provide you with the care you deserve.

Our goal is to provide you with the best treatment for your condition by not only treating the disease but also helping you regain your overall health and confidence. 

Your health is in safe hands.

Why Choose NU Hospitals for Hydronephrosis?

• No. 1 Hospital for Hydronephrosis Treatment in India and Bangalore

• Pioneers in all Urological Surgeries

• Legacy of Innovation and Trusted by Millions

• Protocolized Evidence-based Care

• Renowned Team of Experts with a Multi-Disciplinary Approach

• Exceptional Care and World-class Technology

NU Hospitals is your one-stop solution if you are looking for the best hospital for hydronephrosis treatment or for the top specialists.

How Is Hydronephrosis Diagnosed? Tests and Scans Explained

Our experts would suggest a few diagnostic tests to confirm the cause and presence of hydronephrosis, which include:

• Ultrasound

To detect swelling of the kidneys. This is the first test to detect hydronephrosis.

• CT Scan

To check for blockages, stones, strictures or tumours with detailed imaging.

• MRI

MRI is advised for pregnant women as a CT scan is not suitable.

• Urine Tests

To detect infections, blood or abnormal substances in the urine. This can reveal the underlying cause of hydronephrosis.

• Blood Tests

To check and measure kidney function.

• Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

This test is an X-ray done while emptying the bladder. The test helps in detecting any backwards flow (reflux) of the urine back to the kidney.

• Nuclear Renal Scan

To understand the severity of the reflux, a small amount of radioactive material is used to evaluate kidney function and urine drainage.

Hydronephrosis Risk Factors and Potential Complications

There are several risk factors associated with hydronephrosis. Here is what you should be watchful of;

• Recurrent kidney stones

Frequent stones can block urine flow and increase the chance of hydronephrosis.

• Recurrent UTIs

Repeated urinary tract infections can create scars and swelling of the tracts, which leads to hydronephrosis.

• Family history of urinary tract problems

If you have a family history of urinary tract problems, the chances are higher that you are more likely to develop a structural blockage of the ureter.

• Men with prostate problems

An enlarged prostate can pressurise the ureter, causing blockage and swelling.

• Pregnancy

The growth of the uterus can press against the ureters, which causes mild or temporary hydronephrosis.

• Children with congenital anomalies

Structural abnormalities of the ureters since birth can cause problems with urine flow and lead to kidney swelling.

If left untreated or not diagnosed in the early stages, it can pose complications. A few probable complications are;

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• Kidney Infection

• Sepsis

• Kidney Failure

Hydronephrosis can be treated and managed efficiently if diagnosed early. Do not ignore any signs or symptoms, as they can lead to irreversible kidney failure. 

Treatment Options for Hydronephrosis

The treatment for hydronephrosis depends on the cause of the condition and the complexity or severity. 

• Medication

To reduce infections and manage symptoms, antibiotics and pain relievers are prescribed for mild cases.

• Catheterisation

A temporary catheter is placed to drain the urine from the bladder or kidney.

• Stent Placement

Placing a stent to open/ free up the ureter to facilitate easy urine flow from the kidney to the bladder.

• Ureteroscopy

A surgery to treat kidney stones, if they are the cause of hydronephrosis

• Prostate Surgery

Prostate surgery for men with prostate problems

• Robotic or laparoscopic Surgery

Precise and minimally invasive surgeries to treat tumours, strictures and complex blockages.

• Pediatric Surgery

Surgery to correct congenital blockages or urinary tract anomalies in children.