How do you fix hydronephrosis?

Hydronephrosis is usually treated by addressing the underlying disease or cause, such as a kidney stone or infection. Some cases can be resolved without surgery. Infections can be treated with antibiotics. A kidney stone can pass through by itself or might be severe enough to require removal with surgery.

What does an enlarged ureter mean?

A megaureter (“large ureter”) is when a ureter is wider than three-eighths of an inch. This can result from an abnormality of the ureter itself (primary) or from the bladder being blocked (secondary).

What is the treatment for an enlarged kidney?

Treatment depends on the cause of the kidney swelling. Treatment may include: Placing a stent (tube) through the bladder and ureter to allow urine to flow from the kidney into the bladder. Placing a tube into the kidney through the skin, to allow the blocked urine to drain out of the body into a drainage bag.

What causes an enlarged kidney and what to do about it?

What causes an enlarged kidney? Hydronephrosis: This is the blockage of urine flow, leading to kidney distension. The condition can be caused by a kidney stone, blood clot, prostate enlargement, fecal impaction, injury, infection, radiation, or even a tumor.

How can a doctor tell if you have an enlarged kidney?

They may also be able to feel your enlarged kidney by gently massaging the abdomen and flank area. Your doctor may use a catheter to drain some of the urine from your bladder. If they’re unable to release a large amount of urine this way, it could mean that your obstruction is in your bladder or your urethra.

What happens to the kidneys when there is too much urine?

Hydronephrosis occurs when a kidney has an excess of fluid due to a backup of urine, often caused by an obstruction in the upper part of the urinary tract. Kidney swelling can result, causing the part of the kidney called the renal pelvis to bulge (distend), leading to possible kidney scarring and impaired kidney function.

How is a nephrostomy tube used for hydronephrosis?

If the hydronephrosis is acute or sudden, a stent or soft tube (nephrostomy tube) may be inserted through the skin into the kidney to drain off excess urine. A soft plastic tube called a ureteral stent may be placed between the kidney and bladder by a urologist during a cystoscopy to drain excess fluids.