Symptoms
- Dull flank ache or fullness
- Urinary infection with fever
- Nausea
- Reduced urine output if both kidneys are affected
- Frequently no symptoms
Causes and risk factors
- Stone blocking the ureter
- PUJ obstruction
- Prostate enlargement
- Ureteric stricture
- Pressure from a pelvic mass or pregnancy
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound to grade the swelling
- NCCT or CT urography
- Renogram for split function and drainage
- Serum creatinine
Treatment
- Relieve the obstruction — stone clearance, stent or nephrostomy
- Pyeloplasty for PUJO
- Prostate surgery where the outlet is blocked
- Surveillance for mild non-obstructive cases
Prevention
- Treat stones early
- Do not ignore a weak urinary stream
- Attend follow-up scans after urinary surgery
Recovery
Kidney swelling usually reduces within weeks of relieving the block. Recovery of function depends on how long the obstruction was present.
Information on this website is for patient education only and does not replace an in-person consultation. Treatment results vary between individuals and no outcome is guaranteed.