Can kidney stones cause hydronephrosis?

Kidney stones can cause hydronephrosis. If a kidney stone is large enough to become lodged at the ureteropelvic junction, it may obstruct the urinary tract, impeding urine outflow and thereby leading to hydronephrosis. Similarly, even if a stone passes promptly into the ureter but becomes impacted within it, urinary obstruction—and consequently hydronephrosis—may still occur. Thus, kidney stones can lead to hydronephrosis. Once hydronephrosis develops secondary to kidney stones, early treatment is essential to prevent serious complications.