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Bilateral hydronephrosis

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Bilateral hydronephrosis

Definition:

Bilateral hydronephrosis is the distention of the pelvis and calyces of both kidneys. (See also unilateral hydronephrosis.)

Alternative Names:
Hydronephrosis - bilateral

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Bilateral hydronephrosis develops when the pelvis and calyces (the urine-collecting structures of the kidneys) of both kidneys become distended because urine is unable to drain from the kidney down the ureters into the bladder. (Bilateral means both sides.)

Hydronephrosis is not itself a disease, but rather a physical result of whatever disease is keeping urine from draining out of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The symptoms, treatment, and expected outcome are those of the responsible disease.

Disorders associated with hydronephrosis include:

• acute bilateral obstructive uropathy
• chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy
• vesicoureteric reflux
• uteropelvic junction obstruction
• posterior ureteral valves
• neurogenic bladder
• bladder outlet obstruction
• prune belly syndrome

Advances in fetal ultrasound have given specialists the ability to diagnose obstructive uropathy (problems caused by the blockage of the urinary system) in the fetus before birth. Unilateral (one side only) or bilateral (both sides) obstruction of the urinary tract can be diagnosed by fetal ultrasound. Fetal conditions such as uteropelvic junction obstruction, posterior ureteral valves, and prune belly syndrome can be diagnosed while the fetus is in the uterus.

Newborns who have been previously diagnosed with obstruction while still in the uterus can receive prompt surgical correction of the defects, often with good results.