Is severe hydronephrosis serious for men?

Severe hydronephrosis requires prompt medical attention, and treatments include relieving obstruction, medication, and surgical intervention. Hydronephrosis is caused by obstruction of urine excretion, which leads to increased pressure in the kidneys. In the long term, it may cause a series of serious problems such as kidney damage and infection. Severe hydronephrosis in men is usually associated with diseases such as prostate hyperplasia, urinary stones, or urethral strictures.

1. Causes and mechanisms

The formation of hydronephrosis is mainly related to urinary tract obstruction, which may be located in the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder or urethra. It is more common in men due to prostate hyperplasia or urethral stenosis. These diseases may prevent urine from being discharged smoothly, causing increased pressure in the kidneys and the formation of hydronephrosis. Long-term hydronephrosis will cause pressure on kidney tissue, affect kidney function, and may even cause renal failure in severe cases. Urinary tract infection or stones may also aggravate the degree of hydronephrosis.

2. Diagnostic methods

For the diagnosis of severe hydronephrosis, doctors usually confirm the condition through imaging tests. Common examination methods include ultrasound, CT or MRI, which can clearly show the size, shape and degree of hydronephrosis of the kidneys. Kidney function tests such as blood creatinine and urea nitrogen levels can assess the functional status of the kidneys. If infection is suspected, the doctor may also perform urine analysis and culture.

3. Treatment methods

For severe hydronephrosis, the primary goal is to relieve the obstruction and restore normal urine output. Treatments include:

Relieve obstruction: If the obstruction is caused by prostatic hyperplasia, it can be relieved by drug treatment such as alpha blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate.

Medical treatment: For infected hydronephrosis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for treatment; if it is accompanied by pain, painkillers may be used.

Surgical intervention: For severe urinary tract stones or urethral strictures, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or urethral dilation may be required.

4. Prognosis and prevention

If severe hydronephrosis is treated promptly, the renal function of most patients can be partially or completely restored. However, if treatment is delayed, it may lead to permanent renal damage or even renal failure. Early detection and intervention are crucial. Men should pay attention to regular physical examinations in their daily lives, especially pay attention to urinary tract health, avoid holding urine for a long time, and drink plenty of water to prevent the formation of urinary stones.

Severe hydronephrosis is very harmful to men's health and may cause serious complications if not treated in time. After the cause is identified, the condition can be effectively alleviated and kidney function can be protected by relieving obstruction, medication and surgical intervention. Regular physical examinations and good living habits are important measures to prevent hydronephrosis.