Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy

Causes and Risks:
Unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs when the kidneys produce urine normally, but the urine is unable to drain out of the affected ureter into the bladder. The urine backs up causing distention of the kidney structures, including the renal pelvis and calyces ( hydronephrosis ).

Sudden blockage of one ureter causes acute unilateral obstructive uropathy, while slow, progressive blockage causes chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy . The most common cause for acute unilateral obstructive uropathy is a kidney stone , although any condition (such as trauma) that suddenly causes obstruction of a single ureter could cause the disorder. In children, stricture of the ureter (congenital) is a common cause.

Hydronephrosis caused by acute unilateral obstructive uropathy may result in permanent damage to the kidney (failure of one kidney) and may be a cause of hypertension . It usually does not cause symptoms of kidney failure unless there is only one functioning kidney because the function of one kidney is sufficient to sustain life.

Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in 1 out of 1,000 people.

Prevention:
If prone to kidney stones , drink plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses per day) to reduce the chances of their formation. If kidney stones are present, seek medical attention if they persist or recur to identify the cause, prevent new stones from forming, and to minimize the risk of developing acute unilateral obstructive uropathy.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
A history of acute ureteric colic may indicate nephrolithiasis or unilateral obstructive uropathy. Palpation of the abdomen reveals an enlarged or tender kidney. Blood pressure may be elevated. Fever may or may not be present (infection).

Hydronephrosis and/or obstruction of the ureter may appear on:



Treatment:
Treatment focuses on relief of the obstruction. Stents (drains placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis) may provide short-term relief of symptoms. Surgical repair of the cause of the reflux is usually curative. Antibiotics may be given if there is a urinary tract infection . Nephrectomy or nephrotomy may be required.

Prognosis:
The probable outcome is variable. Kidney damage may be temporary if the cause of the obstruction can be cured before kidney failure develops. If only one kidney is involved, the other kidney will usually continue to function adequately.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if flank pain or other symptoms of acute unilateral obstructive uropathy develop.

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen during or after treatment, or if 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.