Renal/Genitorurinary

Question 1

What is hydronephrosis?

Answer 1

Dilated kidney, swollen with urine.

Results from blocked or narrowed ureter, which normally drains the urine to the bladder.

Question 2

Discuss etiology of hydronephrosis

Answer 2

More common in males than females

It is rarely dx diagnosed before it resolves on its own.

Detected by prenatal ultrasounds where it might not actually present until 3-4 years later when symptoms begin.

Question 3

Discuss symptoms of hydronephrosis

Answer 3

Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Swelling
Urinary Difficulties

Presentation depends on severity
Mild- Moderate may not present with symptoms at all

If untreated- leads to infections, kidney damage, bleeding, and pain.

Question 4

What is the treatment for hydronephrosis?

Answer 4

1. Prophylactic antibiotics to prevent kidney infection
2. Pediatric urologist will recommend time frame based on diagnostic imaging.
3. Grade I, II, III and non obstructive hydronephrosis typically resolves on its own
4. Grade IV requires surgical correction to relieve uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJ)
5. Pyeloplasty, or renal pelvic reconstruction or revision is done to decompress and drain the kidney to prevent recurrent infections and kidney damage.