Obstructive uropathy is a structural or functional hindrance of normal urine flow, sometimes leading to renal dysfunction (obstructive nephropathy). It is a very broad term, and does not imply a location or cause.

Presentation

Symptoms, less likely in chronic obstruction, are pain radiating to the T11 to T12 dermatomes, anuria, nocturia, or polyuria.

Causes

It can be caused by a lesion at any point in the urinary tract. Causes include urolithiasis, posterior urethral valves and ureteral herniation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on results of bladder catheterization, ultrasonography, CT scan, cystourethroscopy, or pyelography, depending on the level of obstruction.

Treatment

Treatment, depending on cause, may require prompt drainage of the bladder via catheterization, medical instrumentation, surgery (e.g., endoscopy, lithotripsy), hormonal therapy, or a combination of these modalities. Treatment of the obstruction at the level of the ureter: