The different types of hydronephrosis treatment generally depends on the location of the obstruction, as the initial goal is to drain any trapped urine. Once the urine has been removed, the focus of treatment switches to ensuring that the problem doesn’t reoccur. Hydronephrosis treatment usually begins with either a catheter or tube inserted into the body in order to drain the fluid. Once this has been completed, the blockage often needs to be removed usually through surgery.
Removing any trapped urine and relieving pressure on the kidney is the primary goal of hydronephrosis treatment, as this is important in preventing kidney damage. Often this is achieved through a catheter which is inserted into the bladder. Treatment for a buildup of urine sometimes includes the insertion of soft tubes directly into the kidney, however. In most cases, a blockage in the upper urinary tract will require a tube while a blockage in the lower section requires a catheter.
Draining urine from within the kidney is an essential part of hydronephrosis treatment, but it doesn’t address the underlying problem. The blockage usually needs to be removed, otherwise the urine will build up again over time. Not all cases require surgery, but the majority do.
As with the drainage process, the type of surgery for hydronephrosis depends on the location of the blockage. Hydronephrosis treatment to eliminate the blockage is essential, however; if it is left for a long period of time, the condition can cause permanent kidney damage. In the past, open or laparoscopic surgery techniques were used, but endoscopic surgery is now more common for this condition and is usually less invasive.
If the blockage is being caused by a narrowing of the ureter, which is a tube carrying urine to the bladder, then surgery to remove this section may be required. If the condition is caused by a stone in the kidney, then removal is also often required. Many people make a complete recovery from hydronephrosis surgery, as long as the condition is caught relatively early.
The proper treatment also depends on the severity the condition and whether it is chronic or acute. If the condition is chronic, which means that it builds up slowly, then treatment is usually not urgent, but will need to occur at some stage. If the symptoms are more acute, drainage of the urine may need to be performed more quickly in order to prevent long term damage to the kidneys.