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Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Bladder catheterization, female
Bladder catheterization, female
Bladder catheterization, male
Bladder catheterization, male
Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract

Alternative Names    Return to top

Urethral obstruction; Acute urethral obstruction; Obstructive uropathy - bilateral - acute

Definition    Return to top

Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy is a sudden blockage of the flow of urine from both kidneys. The kidneys continue to produce urine in the normal manner, but because urine does not drain properly, the kidneys start to swell.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

In men, acute bilateral obstructive uropathy is most often a result of an enlarged prostate. Other causes in men include:

Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy is much less common in women, but may be due to:

Other causes in men and women include:

Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in about 5 out of 10,000 people.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical exam. The exam may show:

There may be signs of chronic kidney failure, high blood pressure, and infection. Fever is common with an infection.

Tests that may be done include:

The following tests may show hydronephrosis (swelling of kidneys):

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to relieve the blockage, which will allow urine to drain from the urinary tract. You may need to stay in a hospital for a short while.

Short-term treatment may include:

Long-term treatment involves correcting the cause of the blockage. This may involve:

Surgery may also be needed for other disorders that cause blockage of the urethra or bladder neck.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

If the acute obstruction is quickly relieved, symptoms usually go away within hours to days. If untreated, the disorder causes progressive damage to the kidneys. It may eventually lead to high blood pressure or kidney failure.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have decreased urine output, difficulty urinating, flank pain, or other symptoms of acute bilateral obstructive uropathy.

Prevention    Return to top

You may not be able to prevent this condition. Routine annual physicals with a primary care doctor are recommended. If your doctor finds you have acute obstructive uropathy, you should be referred to the nearest emergency room and seen by a urologist.

References    Return to top

Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, et al. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:741-742.

Update Date: 1/24/2008

Updated by: Marc A. Greenstein, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. Urologist, Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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