Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy

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Bladder catheterization, female

Bladder catheterization, male

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

The goal of treatment is to remove the blockage. You may need to stay in a hospital for a short while.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infection
• Catheterization-- the placement of a tube into the body to drain urine (See: Urinary catheters)
• Dialysis if kidney failure occurs
• Laser or heat therapy to shrink the prostate if the problem is due to an enlarged prostate
• Surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
• Other types of surgery for disorders causing blockage of the urethra or bladder neck

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Bilateral obstructive uropathy may be reversible if the blockage is corrected before kidney failure develops.

Chronic kidney failure leads to long-term kidney damage that can be life threatening.

Patients with a chronic blockage are at a higher risk for complications following initial catheter placement. During the first few days following correction of the obstruction, the kidneys may be unable to concentrate urine. As a result, your body removes large amounts of urine that haven't been properly processed. This is called post-obstructive diuresis. It can be a life-threatening condition. Close monitoring is required.

If the obstruction was caused by cancer, the ultimate outcome depends on the disease severity and your response to treatment.

• Chronic kidney failure
• Complications due to long-term catheter use
• Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection
• Long-term incontinence or urinary retention
• Formation of uretal or kidney stones

Call your health care provider if decreased urine output or other symptoms of chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy develop.

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).