Ibrahim L., 16

Sixteen-year-old Lamido lives with his parents in Kanamma Village. His parents are petty traders earning about ₦6,500 monthly, making it difficult to afford basic needs, education, and healthcare. Despite these challenges, Lamido dreams of becoming a nurse and helping others in his community. He presented with several months of persistent right-sided flank pain, painful and frequent urination, and recurrent fever. He was diagnosed with right hydronephrosis complicated by chronic cystitis. The condition resulted from obstruction of normal urine flow from his right kidney, causing the kidney to swell and increasing the risk of permanent damage. Chronic cystitis also contributed to his ongoing urinary symptoms and discomfort. His family’s limited resources made accessing the investigations and treatment he needed extremely difficult.

Lamido was admitted for specialist care and closely monitored throughout his hospital stay. He was started on intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain adequate hydration and support kidney function. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, including Ceftriaxone, were administered to treat the chronic urinary tract infection, while Paracetamol was given for pain relief and fever control. Additional pain management was provided with Diclofenac where appropriate. Laboratory investigations, urinalysis, urine culture, kidney function tests, and abdominal ultrasound were performed to assess the severity of the disease and identify the underlying cause of the right hydronephrosis. Following evaluation by the urology team, appropriate intervention was undertaken to relieve the urinary obstruction, which helped restore normal urine flow and prevent further kidney damage.

Lamido was diagnosed with right hydronephrosis complicated by chronic cystitis. Prompt treatment is essential, as prolonged urinary obstruction can cause kidney damage, while persistent infection may spread to the kidneys or bloodstream. He has been admitted for medical care, including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain management, and further urological evaluation to identify the cause of the obstruction. Surgical or minimally invasive intervention may be required to restore normal urine flow. With timely treatment and appropriate follow-up, the prognosis is good, and kidney function can be preserved. Delayed treatment may result in permanent kidney damage and recurrent infections.