Kidney Blockage & Cysts
What is a swollen kidney (hydronephrosis)?
The short answer
It means a kidney is swollen because urine isn't draining well.
Causes include stones, an enlarged prostate, narrowing, or pressure from nearby structures.
When to come in
Get checked if a scan shows hydronephrosis, or you have side pain.
Talking it over with us
We’d be glad to talk this through with you at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, or our Conyers Clinic, 1366 Wellbrook Circle Suite B, Conyers, GA 30012. You can ask for a particular urologist by name, or let our scheduling team find the first opening.
How our urologists approach this
A swollen kidney is a sign that something is slowing urine on its way out, so our urologists focus on finding the cause. Stones, an enlarged prostate, a narrowing or pressure from nearby structures can all be behind it. We look at your imaging and kidney function, then decide how quickly it needs to be treated. Sometimes a stone just needs time to pass. Other times we relieve the blockage first and then treat what caused it.
What to expect when you see us
Bring any scan reports and recent blood work. We’ll ask about pain, fever, changes in urination and past stones or prostate trouble. A urine test and more imaging are common, and we’ll explain what each one shows.
Getting ready
Bring scan reports and recent blood work. Note any fever, side pain or changes in how much you urinate.
When to call us
Call us if side pain is getting worse, you’re urinating less, or you feel sick to your stomach. If a fever or chills start, the ER comes first.
Questions we often hear
Does a swollen kidney always need surgery?
No. It depends on the cause. Sometimes a stone passes on its own, and other times the blockage needs treatment.
Can it affect kidney function?
A blockage that lasts can strain the kidney, which is why we look at your kidney function and plan follow-up.
Watch a short video
Stones are a common cause, and in this video Dr. Marc Greenstein explains how they’re treated.
Keep reading
This is general education, not a diagnosis. All articles