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Unilateral hydronephrosis

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Unilateral hydronephrosis

Definition:

Unilateral hydronephrosis occurs when a single kidney becomes distended or swollen due to a backup of urine. When both kidneys are involved, the condition is called bilateral hydronephrosis.

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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 on the associated disorder.

Conditions that are often associated with unilateral hydronephrosis include the following:

• Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy
• Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy
• Vesicoureteric reflux (backflow of urine from bladder to kidney)
• Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
• Idiopathic hydronephrosis of pregnancy

Unilateral hydronephrosis occurs in approximately 1 in 100 people.

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