Final answer:
The term referring to the swelling or distension of the ureter as a result of a ureteral calculus (kidney stone) is hydronephrosis. This condition causes pain, potential kidney damage, and can lead to other symptoms like renal colic and hematuria.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a ureteral calculus, commonly known as a kidney stone, obstructs the ureter, it can lead to a condition known as hydronephrosis. This term refers to the swelling or distension of the ureter as well as the renal pelvis of the kidney. Kidney stones are hard accumulations of minerals like calcium that form inside the kidneys. If they become large enough, they can get lodged in the urinary tract, particularly the ureters, which are the tubes connecting the kidneys and the bladder. When the stone blocks the flow of urine, it leads to an increase in pressure and the stretching of the ureters and renal pelvis, causing significant pain and possible kidney damage.
Hydronephrosis occurs as a result of the obstruction that prevents urine from draining properly from the kidney into the bladder. The symptoms associated with this condition can include severe pain, known as renal colic, nausea, vomiting, and possibly bloody urine (hematuria) due to irritation of the urinary tract. Treatment for a ureteral calculus might involve pain management, medical therapy to facilitate the passage of the stone, or surgical interventions to remove the stone and alleviate the obstruction.