Hydronephrosis Treated by Mercy's Top Urology Doctors in Baltimore

Patients throughout the Baltimore region seek the expertise of The Urology Specialists of Maryland at Mercy Medical Center. Our team of urologists help patients manage kidney conditions such as hydronephrosis, the swelling of the kidney due to a buildup of urine. 

About Hydronephrosis
When urine cannot flow out of the kidney, the kidney can swell. This is called Hydronephrosis. It may be caused by an obstruction in the urethra (tube that releases urine) or the bladder or from kidney stones. The condition can result in urinary tract infections and kidney infection.  The condition can also lead to kidney function failure.
Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of hydronephrosis include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain and pressure
  • Swollen bladder
  • Urinary tract infections

The symptoms, however, will depend on how extensive the blockage is, if one or both kidneys are affected, if the swelling is sudden or gradual and the true cause of the condition.
Hydronephrosis diagnosis may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Urinalysis
  • Imaging tools such as an ultrasound, CT or MRI
Treatment Options for Hydronephrosis
The treatment for kidney swelling is to remove the obstruction so urine can flow and to drain the urine from the kidney. So, depending on where the obstruction has occurred – upper urinary tract, lower urinary tract – our doctors will determine the best treatment option which can include antibiotics or tube insertions to drain the urine. Surgery is not always necessary. 
The Urology Specialists of Maryland at Mercy - recognized for expert urologic disease diagnosis and treatment, covering a broad range of disorders including prostate, bladder and kidney diseases and cancers.