Hydronephrosis

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Hydronephrosis is a medical condition where the kidney becomes enlarged due to a complete or partial obstruction in the outflow of urine. This results in the dilation of parts of the kidney that function to collect urine (renal pelvis and calyces). Hydronephrosis can affect one or both kidneys and can develop suddenly or gradually over time. This condition affects individuals of all ages including in fetuses during pregnancy. Hydronephrosis can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract, kidney stones, tumors, narrowing of the ureters, bladder outlet obstruction, or pressure from nearby structures such as an enlarged prostate or the uterus during pregnancy. Hydronephrosis in children is most often caused by a structural abnormality while in adults, hydronephrosis is commonly caused by kidney stones, prostate enlargement, or cancer. Symptoms of hydronephrosis differ among individuals depending on how quickly urine flow is blocked...

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