Final answer:
The treatment of choice for irreparable hydronephrosis is a Nephrostomy, which involves placing a tube directly into the kidney to allow urine to be drained bypassing the ureter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure of choice to treat irreparable hydronephrosis is a Nephrostomy. Hydronephrosis is a condition characterized by the swelling of one or both kidneys due to a build-up of urine. When the hydronephrosis is irreparable, it implies that the damage is too severe to correct by relieving the obstruction. As a result, the focus shifts to managing the condition and preventing further complications such as infection or renal failure.
Non-surgical treatments like ureteroscopy and the insertion of a stent may be used for stones that block urine flow; however, these are not definitive treatments for irreparable hydronephrosis. In cases where the damage to the kidney is beyond repair, a Nephrostomy, which is the placement of a tube directly into the kidney to drain urine, might be indicated. This procedure bypasses the normal flow of urine when the ureter is not functioning properly. Other surgical procedures like pyeloplasty are aimed at repairing the urinary tract to enable the free flow of urine, but may not be applicable if the kidney is already significantly damaged.
By contrast, cystectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the urinary bladder and is not a treatment for hydronephrosis. When hydronephrosis is due to congenital causes or is associated with illnesses such as polycystic kidney disease, decisions about treatment are often more complex.