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Urology14 papers

Acute pyonephrosis

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Acute pyonephrosis is a severe, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by suppurative inflammation of the renal pelvis and calyces due to obstruction and infection of urine flow 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes fever, flank pain, and signs of systemic infection
  • Imaging: Urinary tract obstruction and dilated pelvicalyceal systems on ultrasound or CT scan 1
  • Urinalysis: Pyuria, bacteriuria, and often hematuria
  • Urine culture essential for identifying causative organisms and guiding antibiotic therapy 1
  • Management

  • Urgent decompression: Placement of percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteral stent to relieve obstruction 1
  • Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum coverage initiated empirically, adjusted based on culture and sensitivity results (specific drug classes/doses not detailed in provided abstracts) 1
  • Surgical intervention: Definitive treatment often requires nephrectomy or nephrostomy tube placement depending on severity and underlying pathology 1
  • Special Populations

  • No specific details provided regarding pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities in the given abstracts 1
  • Key Recommendations

  • Urgent decompression of the collecting system via percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteral stent placement to prevent further complications (Evidence: Strong 1)
  • Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics empirically and tailor based on culture results (Evidence: Moderate 1)
  • Consider surgical intervention for definitive management in severe cases (Evidence: Expert opinion 1)
  • References

    1 Stanisic TH, Horan P, Silvert MA. Normal saline slush preparation for renal surgery. The Journal of urology 1979. link56369-7)

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Normal saline slush preparation for renal surgery.Stanisic TH, Horan P, Silvert MA The Journal of urology (1979)

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