Written by Dr. Chris
The kidneys are the two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the abdominal cavity. It is responsible for the expulsion of waste substances from the body and also has an effect on blood pressure and other vital functions. The human kidneys filter blood throughout the day and night thereby producing some 1 to 2 liters of urine daily on average. The urine is then passed down the ureters on either side and drains into the urinary bladder. Here it is stored until there is the need to expel this urine.
The human bladder can hold about 500ml of urine and once full, the body is signaled that this accumulated urine needs to be passed out into the environment. When the setting is appropriate, the sphincters open and the muscular wall of the bladder contracts tightly thereby propelling the urine into the urethra and out into the exterior. Any blockage either in the upper or lower urinary tract can hamper the passage of urine. If the urine produced then accumulates to a significant degree, it can cause expansion of the urinary tract above the site of the obstruction.
What is hydronephrosis?
Hydronephrosis is the distention of certain parts of the kidney due to the accumulation of urine arising from an obstruction to its outflow. Another related term – hydroureter – is distention of the ureter due to excessive amounts of urine collecting within in. Stasis of urine increases the risk of urinary tract infections or kidney stones. Severe or untreated cases of hydronephrosis can cause permanent kidney damage and lead to kidney failure. Hydronephrosis and hydroureter can occur in adults, children, newborn babies and even in the fetus often for different reasons. Most instances of hydronephrosis are unilateral meaning that it affects only one kidney although it can occur on both sides (bilateral).
continue reading Hydronephrosis (Kidney Swelling with Urine Blockage)