What is wrong with my mother's kidneys?

Q: My mother, aged 60 years, post chemo and radiation for Ca rectum was incidentally diagnosed with moderate bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. Her serum creatinine is 4.4 mg/dl. Is this a serious condition? What are the treatments available?

A:The hydronephrosis in your mother’s kidneys may be a result of radiation or of the basic disease colon cancer. The serum creatinine of more than 4mg /dl suggests a kidney function of less than 20% and she will need detailed investigations like CT scan, to determine the cause of hydronephrosis and treatment depends on the cause. A urologist should be able to help you in this regard.