Bilateral hydronephrosis is the enlargement of the parts of the kidney that collect urine. Bilateral means both sides.

Hydronephrosis - bilateral

Bilateral hydronephrosis occurs when urine is unable to drain from the kidney into the bladder. Hydronephrosis is not itself a disease. It occurs as a result of a problem that prevents urine from draining out of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Disorders associated with bilateral hydronephrosis include:

• Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy - sudden blockage of the kidneys
• Bladder outlet obstruction - blockage of the bladder that does not allow drainage
• Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy - a gradual blockage of the kidneys
• Neurogenic bladder - poorly functional bladder
• Posterior urethral valves - flaps on the urethra that causes poor emptying of the bladder (in boys)
• Prune belly syndrome - poorly emptying bladder that causes distention of the belly
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis - increased scar tissue that blocks the ureters
• Uteropelvic junction obstruction - blockage of the kidney at the point where the ureter enters the kidney
• Vesicoureteric reflux - backup of the urine from the bladder up to the kidney

Signs of the problem are often detected in a baby before birth during a pregnancy ultrasound.

A urinary tract infection in a newborn baby can signal a blockage in the kidney. An older child who gets repeat urinary tract infections should also be checked for blockage.

A higher than normal number of urinary tract infections is often the only symptom of the problem.

The following tests can show bilateral hydronephrosis:

• CT scan of the abdomen or kidneys
• IVP (used less often)
• Pregnancy (fetal) ultrasound
• Renal scan
• Ultrasound of the abdomen or kidneys

Placing a tube into the bladder (Foley catheter) may open the blockage. Other treatments include:

• Draining the bladder
• Relieving pressure by placing tubes in the kidney through the skin
• Placing a tube (stent) through the ureter to allow urine to flow from the kidney to bladder

The underlying cause of the blockage needs to be found and treated once the buildup of urine is relieved.

Surgery performed while the baby is in the womb or shortly after birth can have good results in improving kidney function.

Kidney damage may result from conditions that cause hydronephrosis.

This problem is often found by the health care provider.

An ultrasound during pregnancy can show a blockage in the baby’s urinary tract. This allows the problem to be treated with early surgery.

Other causes of blockage such as kidney stones can be detected early if people notice warning signs of kidney problems.

Singh I, Strandhopy JW, Assimos DG. Pathophysiology of urinary tract obstruction. In: Wein AJ, ed.Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 40.

Hsu THS, Nakada SY. Management of upper urinary tract obstruction In: Wein AJ, ed.Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 41.

Frokiaer J, Zeidel ML. Urinary tract obstruction. In: Taal MW, Chertow GM, Marsden PA et al. eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 37.

Elder JS. Obstruction of the urinary tract. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 534.