Hydronephrosis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Hydronephrosis may or may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include:

• Pain in the back, waist, lower abdomen, or groin
• Persistent pain with urination or urinary frequency (from urinary tract infections)
• Increased urge to urinate or urinary incontinence
• Dribbling after urination
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained itching

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam, which may involve examination of the pelvis or rectum to feel for blockages. You will likely be referred to a urologist and/or nephrologist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Tests may include:

• Urine tests—to check for blood, protein, bacteria, or other evidence of damage to the kidneys
• Blood tests—to check for evidence of damage to the kidneys
• Bladder catheterization—a thin tube, called a catheter, inserted into the bladder to try to drain it
• Abdominal ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine the structures in the abdomen (in this case the kidneys, ureters, and bladder)
• Intravenous urogram (or pyelogram)—an x-ray test that uses contrast dye to assess the structure and function of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (may not be used if kidneys are damaged)
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA) —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters
• Cystoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the urethra and into the bladder to examine the lining
• Voiding cystourethrogram—x-rays of the bladder and urethra taken during urination after contrast dye is placed in the bladder