Professor Chaim MatzkinLeading urological surgeon, oncologist
Patients with complex urological conditions increasingly choose Israeli clinics due to accurate diagnostics, individualized therapy methods, and the high qualifications of doctors. Treatment of hydronephrosis in Israel is carried out by multidisciplinary teams of urologists, surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists, ensuring consistency at all stages – from diagnosis to kidney function restoration. The leading clinics in the country are equipped with advanced technology that allows for the rapid determination of disease stage and selection of the most effective therapy methods. Symptoms can be alleviated, urine flow restored, and prognosis improved through minimally invasive organ-preserving surgeries.
Reviews published on clinic websites indicate that international patients appreciate the thorough planning of the treatment process and the organized support provided by the clinic throughout their stay in the country. The accompanying person helps resolve any arising issues, allowing the patient to focus on treatment. The reasonable cost of therapy is also significant, favorably differing from the rates established in many popular medical tourism countries.
About the Disease
Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the normal flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder is disrupted. As a result, swelling of one or both kidneys gradually develops. Various types of hydronephrosis are distinguished: acute or chronic, partial or complete, unilateral or bilateral.
The causes of hydronephrosis lie in the blockage or obstruction of any part of the urinary tract. Such disturbances are caused by:
- kidney stones;
- ureter obstruction;
- tumours;
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH);
- congenital ureter narrowing;
- injuries;
- infectious diseases;
- urine retention.
Clinical signs of the disease often do not manifest. The most common symptoms include:
- abdominal, lower back, or back pain of varying intensity;
- nausea, vomiting;
- blood in urine;
- infectious inflammation of the urinary tract;
- inability to completely empty the bladder;
- frequent or, conversely, too rare urination.
In severe cases, hydronephrosis can lead to kidney failure.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
The goal of treatment is to restore urine flow from the kidney and reduce swelling and pressure. The therapy strategy depends on the underlying disease, as it is the main issue.
Conservative Therapy
Conservative treatment is applied in the early stages or in cases of functional hydronephrosis associated with inflammation or temporary factors affecting urine flow. The main goal is to reduce the inflammatory process, relieve pain, and prevent infection. Patients are prescribed uroseptics, anti-inflammatory medications, antispasmodics, as well as agents that improve microcirculation in kidney tissues. This therapy stabilizes the condition, reduces symptom severity, and prepares the patient for subsequent procedures.
Endoscopic Methods
Endoscopic correction is used for ureter obstruction caused by stricture, stones, congenital narrowing, or functional dysfunction of the segment. A cystoscope and necessary instruments are introduced through the urethra to perform bougienage, balloon dilation, or to place a stent to widen and fix the ureter and restore normal urine passage. These procedures are minimally invasive and allow for rapid pressure reduction in the kidney, restoration of its function, and prevention of further damage to the parenchyma. Endoscopic methods are often used as preparatory steps before radical reconstruction of the ureter.
Nephrostomy Placement
In cases of significant obstruction, when it is impossible to quickly restore urine flow naturally, percutaneous nephrostomy is performed – placing a drain directly into the kidney. This allows for immediate pressure reduction, alleviates pain, avoids infectious complications, and stabilizes the patient's condition. After restoring kidney function and clarifying the cause of hydronephrosis, the main treatment stage is performed.
Pyeoplasty
Pyeoplasty is the primary and most effective method for treating hydronephrosis caused by narrowing of the pyeloureteral segment. The essence of the intervention is the removal of the pathologically narrowed section and the formation of a new, wide connection between the renal pelvis and the ureter. At Ichilov Clinic, such surgery is performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, often with the assistance of a robotic surgical system. Robotic surgery is characterized by exceptional precision in performing manipulations, minimal trauma, low risk of complications, and a short recovery period. The surgical methods used ensure a stable restoration of urine flow in more than 95% of patients.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy
The most common method for breaking large and medium-sized stones in the kidneys and ureters. The essence of the method lies in generating high-energy shock waves outside the patient's body using a special device – a lithotripter. These waves are precisely focused on the stone. As they pass through tissues, the waves do not cause harm, but when they collide with a dense stone, they create a cavitation and tension effect, leading to its fragmentation. The stone is broken into many small particles, which are subsequently naturally expelled from the body with urine. SWL is an outpatient procedure or requires minimal hospital stay, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative methods are ineffective, or when hydronephrosis is caused by large kidney stones, tumours, scar strictures, or other anatomical obstacles, surgical intervention is required. Modern surgery in the field of urology has reached an unprecedented level of precision and safety. At Ichilov Clinic, minimally invasive and laparoscopic methods are used, radically changing the perception of the complexity of such operations.
Reconstructive Surgery on the Ureter
In cases of complex strictures or defects of the ureter, reconstructive interventions are performed. These include resection of the affected segment, ureteroneocystostomy (transplantation of the ureter into the bladder), and plastic surgery using the patient's own tissues. These operations are indicated for severe and recurrent forms of the disease and allow for the complete restoration of urine flow even with significant anatomical disruptions.
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The modern equipment at Ichilov Clinic allows for a comprehensive examination and diagnosis to be made in no more than three days.
First Day
Upon admission to the clinic, the patient undergoes an initial consultation with the treating urologist. During the appointment, the doctor conducts a superficial examination, listens to complaints, reviews medical documentation, and prescribes necessary examinations.
Second Day
Undergoing examinations:
- visualization studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI);
- laboratory urine tests (general, culture, detection of crystals);
- laboratory blood tests (general and biochemical).
Third Day
The medical council reviews the obtained results, establishes the final diagnosis based on them, and develops a treatment program.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost of treatment is determined by a number of factors and is assessed individually. The clinic consultant, who can be contacted at the numbers provided on the website, will give you an approximate amount.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of doctor training.
- Modern equipment in medical centers.
- Use of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic methods.
- Individual approach.
- Affordable prices.
Israeli clinics offer online consultations for international patients. Without leaving home, you can contact a consultant and request a consultation. At the agreed time, the Israeli doctor will connect, answer questions, and recommend treatment.