Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - chronic

Alternative names

Ureteral obstruction - chronic; Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy

Definition

Urine is drained from the kidneys through tubes called ureters. Obstructive uropathy occurs when a one or both ureters becomes blocked. The condition may be acute or chronic.

Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy involves a slow, progressive blockage of one ureter, resulting in a backup of urine and injury to the kidney.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs when urine cannot drain through a ureter because of an obstruction, often ureteral or kidney stones. Urine backs up and causes distention of the kidney (hydronephrosis).

Risks for unilateral obstructive uropathy include ureteral stones and tumors, kidney stones, and tumors in surrounding structures such as the uterine cervix.

The disorder damages structures of the urinary tract. It may result in permanent damage to the kidney and may be a cause of hypertension. It usually does not cause kidney failure because the second kidney continues to function.

Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in approximately 5 out of every 1,000 people.

Symptoms

• Flank pain
  o Severe
  o May travel or radiate to the groin, genitals, thigh
  o Colicky or spasmodic
  o On one side
  
• Back pain, may be on only one side
  
• Abdominal pain, right or left lower quadrant
  
• Blood in the urine
  
• Urinary tract infection
  
• Painful urination
  
• Increased urinary frequency/urgency
  
• A need to urinate at night
  

Signs and tests

An examination of the abdomen may reveal an enlarged kidney. Blood pressure may be elevated. A urinalysis may reveal blood in the urine. A urine culture may reveal an infection.

Hydronephrosis or obstruction of the ureter may appear on these tests:

• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  
• Abdominal ultrasound
  
• Kidney or abdominal CT scan
  

Treatment

Treatment focuses on eliminating or minimizing the obstruction.

Stents or drains placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis may provide short-term relief of symptoms. A nephrostomy tube, which drains urine from the kidney through the back, may be used to alleviate the obstruction. Surgery to repair the underlying cause of the obstruction will usually eliminate the problem.