Obstructive uropathy

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Bladder catheterization, female

Bladder catheterization, male

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Obstructive uropathy involves a blockage of the flow of urine, causing it to back up and injure one or both kidneys.

Uropathy - obstructive

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
• Colon cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Any cancer that spreads
• Idiopathic hydronephrosis of pregnancy

Review Date: 05/10/2006
Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.