Uropathy - obstructive

Alternative names

Obstructive uropathy

Definition

Obstructive uropathy involves a blockage of the flow of urine, 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 because of an obstruction, often ureteral or kidney stones. Urine backs up into the kidney and causes distention of the renal pelvis and calyces (hydronephrosis).

Obstructive uropathy is further differentiated by whether it affects one or both kidneys (unilateral or bilateral) and whether it occurrs suddenly (acute) or is long-standing (chronic):

• Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy
  
• Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy
  
• Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy
  
• Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy
  

Common causes of obstructive uropathy include the following:

• Urinary tract stones
  o Ureteral stones
  o Bladder stones
  
• Urinary tract tumors
  
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis
  
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  
• Adjacent organ tumors
  
• Colon cancer
  
• Cervical cancer
  
• uterine cancer
  
• Any cancer that metastasizes (spreads)
  
• Idiopathic hydronephrosis of pregnancy
  

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with obstructive uropathy vary depending on whether the obstruction is acute or chronic, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, whether it is complete or partial, and what caused it. Common symptoms of obstructive uropathy include the following:

• Flank pain
  o Bilateral or unilateral
  o Colicky or severe
  
• Urinary tract infection
  
• Fever
  
• Difficulty or pain while urinating
  
• nausea or vomiting
  
• Renal failure