Obstructive Uropathy

Overview of Obstructive Uropathy

Obstructive uropathy is a medical condition in which the person suffers from the blockage of urinary discharge. Obstructive uropathy may affect one or both kidneys. This mainly depends upon the level of hindrance. The main treatment strategy is to relieve the blockage so that the urine can be drained easily. 

Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Uropathy

The symptoms of obstructive uropathy differ from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of obstructive uropathy are:

  1. Fever 
  2. Nausea and vomiting 
  3. Sudden weight gain 
  4. Urge to urinate quite often 
  5. Dribbling of urine 
  6. Frequent urination at night 
  7. Urine incontinence 
  8. Blood in urine 
  9. Decreased amount of urine than regular

Types of Obstructive Uropathy

Causes of Obstructive Uropathy

Obstructive uropathy occurs when the urinary system is unable to properly drain the urine. Urine backup leads to swelling of the kidneys. The common causes of obstructive uropathy are:

  • Kidney stones
  • Bladder stones 
  • Colon cancer
  • Advanced prostate cancer 
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Cervical or uterine cancer 
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Cancer that is spreading 
  • Scar tissues that are present outside or inside of the ureter 
  • Nerve disconnection is responsible for emptying the bladder
  • Scar tissue inside the urethra 
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Risk Factors of Obstructive Uropathy

Kidney stones are the most common risk factor for obstructive uropathy. Some other risk factors are as follows:

  • Tumors in the urinary system 
  • Ureteral stones and tumors
  • Injury to the ureter 
  • Pelvic surgery 
  • Narrowing of the ureter 

Obstructive Uropathy Health Complications

Health complications that may arise due to obstructive uropathy are as follows:

  • Bladder infection 
  • Kidney infection
  • Urinary extravasation with urinoma formation
  • Renal insufficiency 
  • Renal failure
  • Urinary fistula formation 

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Prevention

It is difficult to prevent obstructive uropathy altogether. The only possible way is immediate hospitalization. The person should pay attention to routine checkups. Make sure to drink a lot of water and remember to visit your primary healthcare provider.

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Diagnosis

The diagnosis of obstructive uropathy starts with a physical examination and medical history. Some commonly suggested tests are:

  • Abdominal ultrasound 
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Renal nuclear scan
  • MRI Test
  • Urodynamic test
  • Cystoscopy 
  • Voiding cystourethrogram
  • Intravenous pyelogram 

 

Treatment of Obstructive Uropathy | When to Consult a Doctor

The main treatment goal of obstructive uropathy is to remove the hindrance that is not allowing complete urine drainage. Following are some best methods that are used for obstructive uropathy treatment.

Surgery 

This is mostly done to remove the obstructions such as cancerous tumors, polyps, and scar tissues. Once all this has been cleared the urine passes out freely and completely. 

Stent Placement 

It is a less intrusive treatment method that involves the placement of a stent in the blocked ureter or kidney. This method is highly effective in the treatment of obstructive uropathy because of the narrowing of the ureter. The patients are either awake or sedated depending upon the severity of the case. 

Treatment For Unborn Child 

Sometimes the unborn child is suffering from this medical condition. The doctor may place a shunt or a drainage system in your unborn baby’s bladder. The shunt then drains the urine into the amniotic sac.  

Medications 

In case of obstructive uropathy due to enlarged prostate, the doctor may prescribe the following medicines:

  • Alpha-blocker to relax the inflamed muscles of the prostate 
  • Finasteride to shrink the enlarged prostate

 

Note:  (Consult your doctor before taking any medications)