Obstruction of urine flow leads to increased urinary pressure. This back pressure may secondarily impair renal function and is a common cause of acute renal failure. Stasis of the urine, caused by obstruction, may lead to infection. Early treatment usually results in resolution of all of the symptoms. Left untreated, however, obstruction may produce permanent injury to the kidney and the bladder.
Causes of Urinary Tract Obstruction
There are a number of causes of urinary tract obstruction. Congenital disorders may lead to problems with urine flow in childhood. Acquired defects of the urinary tract can produce obstruction. These include such disorders as tumors, stones, prostatic enlargement and diabetic neuropathy. Acquired disease outside of the urinary tract may, also, produce obstruction. Disorders such as pregnancy, abdominal aortic aneurysm, cancer, lymphoma and trauma are examples of abnormalities that can compress or obstruct the urinary tract from the outside.
Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Obstruction
Pain is the most common symptom of urinary tract obstruction. It comes from distension of the urinary collecting system. The capsule that surrounds the kidney is very sensitive to being stretched. The rate of obstruction is most important. Hesitancy and straining to initiate urine flow are sings of obstruction below the level of the bladder. Hypertension may also develop from severe obstruction. Decreased urine output or wide fluctuations in urine output may suggest urinary tract obstruction. Stones that impact the urinary tract may produce blood in the urine.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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