Nonobstructive Hydronephrosis and Hydroureter Associated with Peritonitis

Three patients with peritonitis (ruptured appendix in two and primary in one) were found to have associated hydronephroses and hydroureters. The hydronephroses and hydroureters were of the nonobstructive type, were not accompanied by urinary-tract infection, and disappeared spontaneously within four to 20 months after onset. It is possible that, as in paralytic ileus, the kidney pelvis and ureter participate in impaired peristalsis associated with peritonitis and thus produce reversible, nonobstructive hydronephrosis and hydroureter.