Intermediate
Technical
IVT
hydronephrosis
Pronunciation: HY-dro-neh-FRO-sis
Swelling of the kidney due to backup of urine, often indicating urinary tract obstruction that may be malignant.
Full Definition
A condition characterized by dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces due to impaired urine drainage from the kidney. In urologic oncology, hydronephrosis frequently signals obstruction caused by tumors in the ureter, bladder, or retroperitoneum. The severity is graded from mild to severe, and bilateral hydronephrosis may indicate advanced disease requiring immediate intervention to preserve renal function.
In Context
- "CT imaging revealed moderate hydronephrosis suggestive of ureteral obstruction." — Radiology report
- "Bilateral hydronephrosis prompted immediate nephrostomy tube placement." — Procedure note
Also known as
renal pelvis dilation
pyelocaliectasis
Don't confuse with
hydroureter
nephromegaly