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Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy is a sudden blockage in one or both of the tubes (ureters) that drain urine from the kidneys.

Alternative Names:

Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - acute; Ureteral obstruction

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Unilateral obstructive uropathy is most often caused by a kidney stone , although injury or other conditions could cause the disorder.

When urine flow is blocked, it backs up into the kidney. This leads to kidney swelling, also called hydronephrosis .

You have a greater risk for unilateral obstructive uropathy if you have ureteral stones and tumors, kidney stones, and tumors in nearby such as the uterus and cervix .

Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in 1 in 1,000 people.

• Review Date: 1/16/2007
• Reviewed By: Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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