Hydronephrosis means the kidney is swollen because urine is not draining freely. If the block is not relieved in time, the kidney slowly loses function — often silently, without pain.
Procedures we perform
- Hydronephrosis
- PUJO
- Pyeloplasty
Symptoms that need review
- Dull ache or fullness in the flank
- Pain that worsens after drinking fluids
- Recurrent urinary infection
- Blood in urine
- Often no symptoms at all — found on a routine scan
Common causes
- Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO), often present from birth
- Stone impacted in the ureter
- Stricture or scarring of the ureter
- Pressure from an external mass
How we diagnose
- Ultrasound showing the degree of swelling
- DTPA renogram to measure drainage and split function
- CT urography for anatomy
- Serum creatinine and eGFR
Treatment options
Observation with surveillance
For mild, non-obstructive swelling with normal drainage.
DJ stent or nephrostomy
Immediate drainage in obstruction with infection or falling function.
Pyeloplasty
Reconstruction of the blocked junction — laparoscopic or open, with excellent long-term results.
Stone or stricture clearance
Definitive removal of the cause of obstruction.
Recovery
After pyeloplasty, hospital stay is usually two to four days with a stent for four to six weeks. A repeat renogram at three months confirms improved drainage.
Frequently asked
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.