Q62: Congenital obstructive defects of renal pelvis and congenital malformations of ureter

Q62.0: Congenital hydronephrosis

There are normally 2 kidneys in the body. They filter blood and create urine. They thus help to detoxify the body. Furthermore, the kidneys regulate the blood pressure and salt content in the blood, among other things. Each kidney is made up of renal tissue and a renal pelvis. The renal tissue makes up the urine. The urine gathers in the renal pelvis.

There are various reasons for a congenitally dilated renal pelvis. For example, the urinary tract may be narrowed. The urinary passages include the ureters, bladder and urethra. Urine flows from both kidneys into the bladder via the ureters. The urethra channels the urine outward from the bladder. Narrowing of the urinary passages can cause the urine to back up into the renal pelvis.

A congenitally dilated renal pelvis can be temporary. The renal pelvis can then reduce in size by itself until it is of normal size. However, the renal pelvis may also remain dilated. The renal pelvis may also keep expanding. Renal tissue may be damaged as a result.