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Urology (Expert Forum)
Enlarged Ureter atrophic kidney
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Enlarged Ureter atrophic kidney
by chopper06, Jan 24, 2006 12:00AM
Hello
I am female, 41 years of age and healthy. I was diagnosed in 1988 with a birth defect of left kidney (ureter tube and main blood vessel were twisted together, obstructing blood flow.) My surgeon repaired it and the kidney had 90% function at that time. In 2003 I had repeated bladder infections and was diagnosed with an atrophic left kidney that had a kidney stone. I had lithotripsy and the stone passed. At that time I had 18% function of left kidney, right kidney was healthy. I have been well until Nov 2005 when I had three back to back bladder infections. I had an ultrasound of my kidneys and it showed the left one had atrophied more than a year ago but had no stones. The right one was fine. My urologist did say the left ureter was dialated. He metioned he believed the kidney was having a "hard time" draining urine, due to it's reduced capacity to function. I was put on low grade daily preventitive antiboitics for a month and then am to see him again. He mentioned if I don't have pain or lots of infections, we can leave the kidney alone as it slowly loses function, but if it continues to cause infections or pain, it may have to be surgically removed. I am just wondering what an enlarged ureter with no obstruction indicates? Does that mean that my left kidney is functioning so slowly the ureter is contracting more to pass urine and therefore enlarged? Is this a dangerous siuation for serious infection? Will it go back to it's normal size with antibiotic treatment? Can it burst? Any additional information I can recieve on this subject would be very appreciated. Thank You.
I am female, 41 years of age and healthy. I was diagnosed in 1988 with a birth defect of left kidney (ureter tube and main blood vessel were twisted together, obstructing blood flow.) My surgeon repaired it and the kidney had 90% function at that time. In 2003 I had repeated bladder infections and was diagnosed with an atrophic left kidney that had a kidney stone. I had lithotripsy and the stone passed. At that time I had 18% function of left kidney, right kidney was healthy. I have been well until Nov 2005 when I had three back to back bladder infections. I had an ultrasound of my kidneys and it showed the left one had atrophied more than a year ago but had no stones. The right one was fine. My urologist did say the left ureter was dialated. He metioned he believed the kidney was having a "hard time" draining urine, due to it's reduced capacity to function. I was put on low grade daily preventitive antiboitics for a month and then am to see him again. He mentioned if I don't have pain or lots of infections, we can leave the kidney alone as it slowly loses function, but if it continues to cause infections or pain, it may have to be surgically removed. I am just wondering what an enlarged ureter with no obstruction indicates? Does that mean that my left kidney is functioning so slowly the ureter is contracting more to pass urine and therefore enlarged? Is this a dangerous siuation for serious infection? Will it go back to it's normal size with antibiotic treatment? Can it burst? Any additional information I can recieve on this subject would be very appreciated. Thank You.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 25, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 25, 2006 12:00AM
I am not a urologist, so my insight into these questions will be limited.
Vescioureteral reflux (mostly occurring in children) can lead to an enlarged ureter. I am not aware of specific, non-obstructive, causes that can lead to an enlarged ureter. It is possible that lower-functioning kidney can lead to this condition as your urologist has hypothesized.
If an infection is leading to the lower kidney function, then antibiotics would help.
Before the ureter "bursts", it would likely be preceeded by significant pain and discomfort.
You can discuss these scenarios with your personal physician, or in conjunction with another opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Vescioureteral reflux (mostly occurring in children) can lead to an enlarged ureter. I am not aware of specific, non-obstructive, causes that can lead to an enlarged ureter. It is possible that lower-functioning kidney can lead to this condition as your urologist has hypothesized.
If an infection is leading to the lower kidney function, then antibiotics would help.
Before the ureter "bursts", it would likely be preceeded by significant pain and discomfort.
You can discuss these scenarios with your personal physician, or in conjunction with another opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Member Comments
by maryfran, Apr 08, 2006 12:00AM
To: Kidney
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