Obstructive uropathy

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Uropathy - obstructive

Causes

Obstructive uropathy occurs when urine cannot drain through the urinary tract. Urine backs up into the kidneys and may cause them to become swollen. This condition is known as hydronephrosis.

Obstructive uropathy can affect one or both kidneys. It can occur suddenly or be a long-term problem.

Common causes of obstructive uropathy include:

Bladder stones
Kidney stones
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
Advanced prostate cancer
Bladder or ureteral cancer
Bladder prolapse (also called dropped bladder)
Colon cancer
Cervical or uterine cancer
Ovarian cancer
Any cancer that spreads
Scar tissue that occurs inside or outside of the ureters
Scar tissue that occurs inside the urethra
Problems with the nerves that supply the bladder

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on whether the problem starts slowly or suddenly and if one or both kidneys are involved. Symptoms may include:

Mild to severe pain in the flank. The pain may be felt on one or both sides.
Fever.
Nausea or vomiting.
Weight gain or swelling (edema) of kidney.

You may also have problems passing urine, such as:

Urge to urinate often
Decrease in the force of urine stream or difficulty urinating
Dribbling of urine
Not feeling as if the bladder is emptied
Need to urinate more often at night
Decreased amount of urine
Leakage of urine (urinary incontinence)
Blood in urine

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will order functional or imaging studies to detect obstructive uropathy. Commonly used tests include:

Ultrasound of the kidneys, abdomen, or pelvis
CT scan of the kidneys, abdomen, or pelvis
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
Voiding cystourethrogram
Renal nuclear scan
MRI of the abdomen or pelvis
Urodynamic test
Cystoscopy

Treatment

Medicines may be used if the cause is an enlarged prostate.

Stents or drains placed in the ureter or in a part of the kidney called the renal pelvis may provide short-term relief of symptoms.

Nephrostomy tubes, which drain urine from the kidneys through the back, may be used to bypass the blockage.

A Foley catheter placed through the urethra into the bladder may also help urine flow.

Short-term relief from the blockage is possible without surgery. However, the cause of the blockage must be removed and the urinary system repaired. Surgery may be needed for long-term relief from the problem.

The kidney may need to be removed if the blockage causes severe loss of function.

Outlook (Prognosis)

If the blockage comes on suddenly, kidney damage is less likely if the problem is detected and treated right away. Often, the damage to the kidneys goes away. Long-term damage to the kidneys may occur if the blockage has been present for a long time.

If only one kidney is damaged, chronic kidney problems are less likely.

You may need dialysis or a kidney transplant if there is damage to both kidneys and they do not function, even after the blockage is repaired.

Possible Complications

Obstructive uropathy can cause permanent and severe damage to the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure.

If the problem was caused by a blockage in the bladder, the bladder may have long-term damage. This may lead to problems emptying the bladder or leakage of urine.

Obstructive uropathy is linked to higher chances of urinary tract infections.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of obstructive uropathy.

Prevention

Obstructive uropathy can be prevented by treating disorders that can cause it.

References

Frøkiaer J. Urinary tract obstruction. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 37.

Gallagher KM, Hughes J. Urinary tract obstruction. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 61.