Kidney Fluid & Kidney Stones: Understanding Severity & Treatment

Question
My 73-year-old father in-law has kidney stones and fluid in one kidney.  He has had past problems with kidney stones. My question is concerning the fluid in the kidney.  What is the severity of this?  How is it treated?  What medication can be perscribed?

Answer
Fluid in the kidney probably means the kidney stone is blocking the flow of urine out of the kidney.  As the pressure builds up, there will be more and more pain, and unless it passes, the fluid won't go away.  Although rarely, the kidney opens up and the urine drains around the area, but  usually, when they don't pass, the urologist goes in with his scope and retrieves them with the little basket attachment thru the scope.  Usually pain medications and nausea meds are prescribed.

Hope this helps....