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Unilateral hydronephrosis - Overview

Alternative Names

Hydronephrosis

Definition of Unilateral hydronephrosis:

Unilateral hydronephrosis is swelling of one kidney due to a backup of urine.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hydronephrosis is a condition that occurs with a disease. It is not a disease itself. Conditions that are often associated with unilateral hydronephrosis include:

Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy
Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy
Vesicoureteric reflux (backflow of urine from bladder to kidney)
Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
Hydronephrosis that occurs without a known cause during pregnancy

Unilateral hydronephrosis occurs in approximately 1 in 100 people.

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Reviewed last on: 1/24/2008
Marc A. Greenstein, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. Urologist, Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, et al. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

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