Tuesday, February, 14, 2012

Bilateral hydronephrosis

Table of Contents

Definition

Bilateral hydronephrosis is the enlargement (distention) of the urine collecting structures and pelvis of both kidneys. Bilateral means both sides.

See also: Unilateral hydronephrosis


Alternative Names

Hydronephrosis - bilateral


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Bilateral hydronephrosis occurs when urine is unable to drain from the kidney down the ureters into the bladder. 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.

Disorders associated with bilateral hydronephrosis include:

  • Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy
  • Bladder outlet obstruction
  • Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy
  • Neurogenic bladder
  • Posterior ureteral valves
  • Prune belly syndrome
  • Retroperitoneal fibrosis
  • Uteropelvic junction obstruction
  • Vesicoureteric reflux

Review Date: 03/17/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Chief of Urology, Cambridge Health Alliance, Visiting Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)