Hydronephrosis

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for hydronephrosis. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.

When you need hydronephrosis care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Hydronephrosis is a condition causing one or both of the kidneys to swell. This swelling is typically caused by a blockage or obstruction. Over time, kidney function can decrease, potentially leading to kidney damage.

Hydronephrosis is typically caused by an underlying condition or risk factor, including:

• Blood clots
• Congenital blockages
• Enlarged prostate
• Kidney stones
• Pregnancy
• Tumors or certain kinds of cancer
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In many patients, hydronephrosis does not cause symptoms. Symptomatic patients may experience:

• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Fever
• Nausea
• Pain in the lower back, side or abdomen
• Urgent need to urinate

Hydronephrosis is diagnosed with a complete physical examination. Male patients may require a rectal exam to determine the extent of prostate enlargement. Female patients may require a pelvic exam to detect the presence of co-existing conditions associated with the uterus or ovaries. When hydronephrosis is suspected, your physician will order the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Urinalysis

Hydronephrosis can be detected in a fetus as early as the first trimester using ultrasound. A diagnosis at this time typically requires additional ultrasounds to monitor the fetus.

Mild cases of hydronephrosis often resolve without treatment. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. In cases of sudden hydronephrosis due to a blockage, your physician may place a nephrostomy tube into your kidney to drain excess urine. If the blockage is caused by stones in your kidneys or ureters, treatment options include:

• Shock wave lithotripsy: A urologist uses high-energy shock waves to break up kidney stones into dust or smaller fragments so they can pass out of the body.
• Surgery: If kidney stones are particularly large or difficult to remove, surgery may be required to remove them.
• Ureteroscopy: A thin tube is inserted into the urethra to break up and remove the kidney stones.