The Physiology of Hydronephrosis

The term hydronephrosis denotes a condition of dilatation of the collecting system of the kidney above the level of the pelvi-ureteric junction. It acquires clinical significance by being classified according to the site and pathology of any obstruc- tion to urine flow, but the descriptive groups so formed are unsatisfactory and not fully compre- hensive. A review of the physiological processes involved in its development may help towards a better understanding of the diagnosis and management of the individual case, however this may be classified or described.