Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Ureteral obstruction - chronic; Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - chronicDefinition Return to top
Urine is drained from the kidneys through tubes called ureters. Obstructive uropathy occurs when a one or both ureters becomes blocked. The condition may be acute or chronic.
Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy involves a slow, progressive blockage of one ureter, resulting in a backup of urine and injury to the kidney.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs when urine cannot drain through a ureter because of an obstruction, often ureteral or kidney stones. Urine backs up and causes distention of the kidney (hydronephrosis).
Risks for unilateral obstructive uropathy include ureteral stones and tumors, kidney stones, and tumors in surrounding structures such as the uterine cervix.
The disorder damages structures of the urinary tract. It may result in permanent damage to the kidney and may be a cause of hypertension. It usually does not cause kidney failure because the second kidney continues to function.
Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in approximately 5 out of every 1,000 people.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination of the abdomen may reveal an enlarged kidney. Blood pressure may be elevated. A urinalysis may reveal blood in the urine. A urine culture may reveal an infection.
Hydronephrosis or obstruction of the ureter may appear on these tests:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment focuses on eliminating or minimizing the obstruction.
Stents or drains placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis may provide short-term relief of symptoms. A nephrostomy tube, which drains urine from the kidney through the back, may be used to alleviate the obstruction. Surgery to repair the underlying cause of the obstruction will usually eliminate the problem.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Outcome of treatment varies. Kidney damage may be permanent. If only one kidney is involved, the other kidney usually continues to function adequately and renal insufficiency or renal failure does not occur.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your provider if flank pain or other symptoms of chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy develops.
Call your provider if symptoms worsen or persist despite treatment, or new symptoms develop.
Prevention Return to top
If you are prone to kidney stones, drink plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses per day) to reduce the chances of their formation.
Research suggests that a diet low in sodium and oxalates and high in citrate significantly reduces risk of calcium-based kidney stone formation. Consult with a nutritionist for more information on such diets.
Urinary tract infections should be treated promptly and thoroughly.
Seek medical attention if kidney stones persist or recur to identify the cause and to prevent new stones from forming.
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.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |