Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis means the kidney's drainage system is swollen because urine is not flowing out normally.
When to get help quickly: Hydronephrosis needs prompt review, especially if there is fever, severe pain, vomiting, or reduced urine flow because infection or kidney damage can develop.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can include pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen, difficulty passing urine, blood in the urine, fever, or needing to pass urine more often.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm the swelling, show whether one or both kidneys are affected, and look for the cause such as a stone, stricture, mass, or enlarged prostate.
What radiology does
Ultrasound, CT, or urogram-type imaging can help show the swelling and look for the reason, such as a stone, mass, or narrowing.
What usually happens next
Treatment focuses on relieving the blockage and protecting kidney function, sometimes with stents or nephrostomy tubes.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- LoopographyA loopography (ileal conduit study) is a specialized X-ray scan used to examine an artificial urinary channel (ileal conduit). By injecting contrast dye into the stoma, it checks for blockages or leaks.
- MAG3 Renal ScanA MAG3 renal scan is a specialized nuclear medicine test used to evaluate how well your kidneys drain urine. It helps detect blockages in the urinary tract.
- Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)A VCUG is a special X-ray study of the bladder and urethra done while the patient urinates. It is the standard test for vesicoureteral reflux in children with recurrent urinary tract infections.