Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy

Causes and Risks:
Unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs when the kidney produces urine in the normal manner but the urine cannot drain out of the ureter into the bladder because of an obstruction. Urine backs-up into the kidney and causes distention of the renal pelvis and calyces ( hydronephrosis ).

Sudden blockage of one ureter causes acute unilateral obstructive uropathy . Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy is commonly the result of progressive or chronic obstruction of one ureter.

Risks for chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy include ureteric stones and tumors, 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 unless there is only one functioning kidney because the second kidney continues to function.

The incidence of chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy is 5 out of 1,000 people.

Prevention:
If prone to kidney stones , drink plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day) to reduce the chances of their formation. If kidney stones are present, seek medical attention, particularly if they persist or recur, to minimize the risk of developing chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy. Urinary tract infections should be treated promptly and thoroughly.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
An examination of the abdomen reveals 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 a(n):



Treatment:
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. Surgery to repair the cause of the obstruction is usually curative.

Prognosis:
The outcome varies. Damage to the kidney may be permanent. However, if the cause of the obstruction can be cured before the kidney fails, the damage may be temporary. If only one kidney is involved, the other kidney usually continues to function adequately.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if flank pain or other symptom of chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy develops.

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or persist despite treatment, or new symptoms develop.


The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production. The gross anatomical structure of the kidney is illustrated.



This is an illustration of the female urinary tract. The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning in the body and relative size of the organs are also demonstrated.



This is an illustration of the male urinary tract. The female and male urinary tract are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning and relative size of the organs are also shown.