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Obstructive uropathy - Overview

Alternative Names

Uropathy - obstructive

Definition of Obstructive uropathy:

Obstructive uropathy is a condition in which the flow of urine is blocked, causing it to back up and injure one or both kidneys.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Obstructive uropathy occurs when urine cannot drain through a ureter (a tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Urine backs up into the kidney and causes it to become swollen (hydronephrosis).

Obstructive uropathy is grouped according to whether it affects one or both kidneys and whether it occurs suddenly or is long-term:

Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy - Long-term uropathy that affects one kidney
Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy - Long-term uropathy that affects both kidneys
Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy - Sudden uropathy that affects one kidney
Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy - Sudden uropathy that affects both kidneys

Common causes of obstructive uropathy include the following:

Urinary tract stones
- Ureteral stones
- Bladder stones
Urinary tract tumors
Retroperitoneal fibrosis
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
Tumors of nearby organs
Bladder or ureteral cancer
Colon cancer
Cervical cancer
Uterine cancer
Any cancer that spreads
Idiopathic hydronephrosis of pregnancy

Bladder catheterization, female

Bladder catheterization, male

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Reviewed last on: 3/22/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Pais VM Jr, Strandhoy JW, Assimos DG. Pathophysiology of urinary tract obstruction. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 37.

Hsu THS, Streem SB, Nakada SY. Management of upper urinary tract obstruction. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 38.

McAninch JW, Santucci RA. Renal and ureteral trauma. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 39.

Frøkiaer J, Zeidel ML. Urinary tract obstruction. In: Brenner BM, ed. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 35.

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