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Unilateral hydronephrosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

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

See also:  Bilateral hydronephrosis

Alternative Names:

Hydronephrosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hydronephrosis is a condition that occurs with a disease and is not a disease itself. Treatment and prognosis for unilateral hydronephrosis depend what is causing the kidney swelling.

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.

References:

Walsh PC. Campbell's Urology . 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2002.

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

• Review Date: 5/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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