Kidney obstruction is caused by a blockage in the ureter, commonly by kidney stones. Hydronephrosis and urinary tract infections may occur. Flank pain should be investigated by a healthcare professional, with ultrasound or CT scans used to determine the cause. Treatment depends on the type of obstruction, with kidney stones usually requiring pain medication and surgery if there is significant blockage. Blood clots, tumors, and congenital conditions may also cause kidney obstruction.
Whenever something blocks the flow of urine through a ureter, it is a kidney obstruction. The most common cause of kidney blockage is a kidney stone. Other causes include structural abnormalities, blood clots, tumors, and a displacement of a kidney, called renal ptosis.
Renal obstruction causes partial or total blockage of urine drainage. This causes urine to collect in the affected ureter and partially return to the kidney. This is called hydronephrosis. A urinary tract infection could also occur.
Hydronephrosis that comes on suddenly usually produces severe flank pain, which is pain on one side between the upper abdomen and back. When it comes on gradually, hydronephrosis may not cause pain. In some cases, it will cause dull, intermittent flank pain.
All cases of flank pain should be investigated by a healthcare professional. If no infection is present, an ultrasound may be done to determine the cause. Computed tomography (CT) may be needed if the cause cannot be determined via ultrasound. If kidney obstruction is found, treatment will depend on the type of obstruction.
Kidney stones account for most cases of obstruction. In addition to flank pain, symptoms of kidney stones include nausea, vomiting, painful urination, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain. Kidney stones usually don’t require treatment other than pain medication unless there is significant blockage of the urine. In this case, surgery will likely take place in an attempt to break the stone.
Blood clots can sometimes occur in the kidneys or ureters. Blood clots could be caused by injury or a bleeding disorder. Along with flank pain, symptoms include blood in the urine and low urine output. Blood clots are usually treated with blood thinners, although surgical removal may be required. Long-term treatment will depend on the cause of the clot.
Another cause of kidney blockage is a tumor. The tumor may be in the affected kidney, ureter, or abdomen where it puts pressure on the kidney. Symptoms of a tumor include pain in your side, a lump in your abdomen, weight loss, fatigue, and possibly fever. Treatment of the tumor will depend on its size and location, but could include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical removal.
Sometimes a blockage is caused by a congenital condition, such as a birth defect. In such cases, it will likely be discovered on ultrasound during a prenatal exam. If only one kidney is affected, the fetus will usually develop well, although the blocked kidney may be permanently damaged. If both kidneys are affected, however, prenatal surgery may be required.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
