Hydronephrosis Surgery
Many people have never heard of the term hydronephrosis. That’s because it is only prevalent in around 1% of the general population according to a research paper published by Science Direct. Hydronephrosis can affect both children and adults. In fact, it can even affect babies in the womb; this can be found via prenatal ultrasound. The same study by Science Direct observed that 1 in 100 to 200 fetuses suffered from hydronephrosis. Because of this, finding out that you suffer from hydronephrosis and require surgery might seem daunting. But don’t worry about it. You can find hydronephrosis treatment in Delhi without breaking a sweat!
What exactly is it?
Hydronephrosis is a condition wherein one or both of the kidneys swell up. This happens either because of some blockage in drainage system of urineor urine refluxing back in the kidneys which can eventually damage the kidney of child.
Therefore, it is essential that you consult doctor once hydronephrosis has been diagnosed. Once the diagnosis is made child needs to be evaluated in detail. Not all hydronephrosis requires surgical intervention but needs to be monitored closely to avoid any renal damage.
Signs of Hydronephrosis
Here are some of the most commonly known signs and symptoms of hydronephrosis.
- Antenatal diagnosis on ultrasound scan.
- Urinary tract infection
- Pain and lump in the back and the sides.
- Urinary symptoms like frequent urination, crying during urination etc.
These signs are particularly useful to suspect hydronephrosis in children. Infants, in particular, can have failure to thrive. If you have suspicion that your child may be suffering from hydronephrosis or has all the signs mentioned above, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor.
Causes of Hydronephrosis
As mentioned above, hydronephrosis is a condition that prevents urine draining from the kidneys, which causes the kidneys to swell up. Hydronephrosis usually develops because of two main causes:
Obstruction in Urinary System
Blockage in the upper ureter (Pelvi-ureteric Junction) or lower ureter (Uretero-vesical junction) or Bladder oulet (Posterior urethral valve) can cause hydronephrosis on one side or both sides.
One of the commonest cause is blockage at ureteropelvic junction. This is essentially the very point (or junction) where the ureter and kidney meet.
Posterior Urethral valves are seen in boys and usually causes bilateral hydronephrosis. This is treated by endoscopic resection surgery. If not treated timely it can cause significant morbidity.
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Another cause of hydronephrosis is the vesicoureteral reflux where the urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys via the ureter. This condition is unique because usually the urine should only flow from the kidneys to the bladder- not the other way around.
Hydronephrosis treatment in Delhi
If you’re looking for hydronephrosis treatment in Delhi, then you’ll be happy to know that there’s plenty of options available. Your doctor who, after examination, ask for a few tests. This may include the following:
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Ultrasound Imaging
- Voiding Cystourethrogram
- Renal Scan (DTPA or DMSA scan)
Combined, these tests examine your kidneys, bladder, Urethra and checks if they’re working fine. The kind of treatment you’ll receive for hydronephrosis depends strictly on how severe the condition is.
Some of the causes are self-limiting and may need just close observation with regular testings. Hydronephrosis causing recurrent urinary infections or deterioration of renal functions might require surgical intervention.
However, we do not recommend that you go with this approach as it can even lead to your mild case developing into a severe case of hydronephrosis, which will need surgery. Hydronephrosis surgery cost depends solely on how critical the situation is.
However, you should not look at hydronephrosis surgery costs when looking to treat the disease. As we mentioned, it’s not life-threatening at the same time living with hydronephrosis can severely impact your quality of living. So don’t wait it out!