Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy

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Bladder catheterization, female

Bladder catheterization, male

Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy is a long-term blockage of urine flow from both kidneys. It is a slow blockage that gets worse over time.

Bilateral means "both sides."

See also:

• Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy
• Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy
• Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy

Obstructive uropathy - bilateral - chronic; Kidney failure - chronic blockage

The most common cause of chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy is a condition called bladder outlet obstruction. The kidneys produce urine in the normal manner but the urine cannot leave the bladder. Urine backs up, causing kidney swelling and damage.

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When the blockage causes urine to back up into both kidneys, hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys) results. High blood pressure and kidney failure can result.

In men, chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy is most often a result a result of enlargement of the prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Other causes of chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy include:

• Bilateral uretal stones
• Bladder tumors
• Prostate tumors
• Tumors or masses of the uterus or other structures around the bladder neck or urethra
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis or tumor
• Narrowing of the urethra due to a birth defect or scar tissue
• Neurogenic bladder

Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 people.

Review Date: 03/22/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).