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Alternative names Return to top
BOO; Lower urinary tract obstruction; ProstatismDefinition Return to top
Bladder outlet obstruction occurs at the base of the bladder, and reduces or prevents the flow of urine into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Bladder outlet obstruction can have many different causes. Some of the most common causes of BOO are:
Less common causes of bladder outlet obstruction include:
Bladder outlet obstruction is most common in aging men, and is often caused by BPH. Bladder stones and bladder cancer are also more commonly seen in men than women. As a man ages, the chance of developing these diseases increases dramatically. One in three American males over the age of 60 has significant symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction.
Related topics:Symptoms Return to top
The symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction may vary. The most common symptoms experienced include:
Signs and tests Return to top
If bladder outlet obstruction is suspected, your health care provider will take a thorough history of your problems and perform a physical exam. On physical exam, your provider may find one or more of the following possible causes:
In addition to a physical exam your provider may order a variety of tests which may include:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment of bladder outlet obstruction depends on the underlying cause of the obstruction. For most cases, a Foley catheter (a tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder) will relieve the obstruction temporarily.
Occasionally, a suprapubic catheter (a catheter through the abdomen into the bladder) is needed to drain the bladder.
Long-term treatment of bladder outlet obstruction is mostly surgical. However, medical treatment options are available for many of the diseases that cause BOO. You should have a thorough discussion of treatment options with your provider.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
If diagnosed early, most causes of BOO can be treated with great success. However, if diagnosis is delayed, permanent damage can result.Complications Return to top
Complications of BOO can be devastating. Permanent damage can be done on all parts of the urinary system with long term or high-grade bladder outlet obstruction.
Complications of BOO include:
Calling your health care provider Return to top
If you have symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction, call your provider. Early diagnosis is important and can often lead to a simple and effective cure.Prevention Return to top
BOO may be prevented by preventing the underlying cause of obstruction. Update Date: 5/5/2004 Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |