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Understanding Caliectasis- Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options

Home > Blogs > Understanding Caliectasis- Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options

Understanding Caliectasis- Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options

Renal Sciences | by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Gupta | Published on 11/01/2024



Introduction

Do you feel the urge to urinate often or experience abdominal pain? If yes, then you should get it checked as it is an indication of caliectasis. It is a condition affecting the calyces present in the kidney organ. They are located where a collection of urine starts. One kidney has around six to ten calyces which are on the kidney’s outer edges.

Caliectasis is not very common but differs in frequency depending on the person’s health factors and demographics. If you are apprehensive about this condition, book your appointment with a healthcare professional at The Calcutta Medical Research Institute in Kolkata. It is a renowned and one of the best multi-specialty hospitals across the city.

In this blog, you will find a comprehensive discussion on caliectasis, its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. However, please note that we do not in any way construe the doctor’s consultation, the write-up is for informational purposes only. 

What is Caliectasis?

The primary role of the kidney involves filtering and removing extra fluids and waste from the human body. Calyces are one of the structures present in the kidneys allowing this role to happen flexibly. They appear to be cuplike within the kidney where the urine initially gathers before it is flown to the bladder. At times, the calyces cause dilation and swelling with additional fluid because of infections that affect the kidney, referred to as caliectasis.

The condition is an outcome of another condition affecting the kidneys like urinary tract infections. The best way to determine caliectasis is through tests. This is because most patients don’t even have any idea that they have caliectasis until it is diagnosed.

What are Caliectasis symptoms?

Caliectasis usually doesn’t cause symptoms but begins to develop the symptoms linked to the condition causing it. Here are some of the common caliectasis symptoms related to kidney conditions:

  • Blood in the urine frequently 
  • Tendency to urinate often
  • Difficulty while urinating 
  • Pus in the urine 
  • There is a foul smell in the urine 

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare expert immediately for a personalized assessment.

What are Caliectasis causes?

One of the most common reasons for caliectasis involves a problem affecting the kidneys. It is vital to be mindful of the other conditions that can affect calyces. Here are the most common caliectasis causes:

  • Tumors or cysts
  • Bladder cancer
  • Renal fibrosis
  • Kidney blockage, mainly because of a birth defect
  • Kidney stones 
  • Urinary tract obstruction
  • Kidney cancer 
  • Kidney infection 
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Urinary buildup, hydronephrosis
  • Urologic or renal tuberculosis

How is Caliectasis diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals often diagnose caliectasis while they diagnose other conditions related to kidneys. While initiating the diagnosis, the doctor often asks about the symptoms the patient is experiencing and performs a physical assessment to look for tenderness and swelling around the kidney area. After doing all this, here are some diagnostic tests ordered by a doctor to confirm caliectasis diagnosis: 

  • Cystoscopy- It involves the use of a camera to view the bladder and kidney area through the urethra
  • Ultrasound- The doctor recommends abdominal ultrasound to determine extra fluids or the presence of foreign objects in the kidneys. 
  • Urography- This test involves a CT scan and a contrast dye that assists a healthcare provider in viewing the kidneys. 
  • Urinalysis- This is a basic sample test of urine to look for the signs of the condition. 

What are the options available for Caliectasis treatment?

Several options are there for Caliectasis treatment depending on the underlying cause. These options are also related to kidney problems and they are: 

  • The use of nephrostomy tubes or catheters that help in draining urine 
  • Antibiotics for the treatment of infections 
  • Surgery is often recommended for tumor removal or kidney stones

What are the Prevention tips for caliectasis?

It is vital to observe a healthy lifestyle if you want to reduce the probability of developing issues with your kidney and triggering caliectasis. Here are some of the measures that can help you in preventing the risk of developing caliectasis: 

  • If you smoke, make sure to quit immediately 
  • Maintain a healthy blood pressure level
  • Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes 
  • Drink 3-4 liters of water daily
  • Don’t consume alcohol 
  • Consume healthy food as much as you can
  • Wipe yourself from front to back to prevent E.coli bacteria from the urethra 
  • Don’t hold your urine to prevent bacterial growth
  • Empty your bladder often

Conclusion

If you suspect caliectasis, you must know that it is an outcome of another kidney-related condition. All you need to do is consult a healthcare professional so that they can offer you the right treatment solution. After this condition is treated, it goes away immediately. Make sure that you tell your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing as some of them can lead to kidney damage and you might not even know it. 

Faqs

 

Is Caliectasis curable?

Yes, caliectasis can be cured with treatment options like antibiotics, a nephrostomy tube, and surgery permanently. 

Is caliectasis serious?

Caliectasis is not a very serious condition, but if it is left untreated then it can cause kidney damage. Hence, the right treatment option is needed at the earliest to prevent complications.