Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy Health Article

Definition

Acute unilateral is a sudden blockage in one of the tubes (ureters) that drain urine from the kidneys.

See also:

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

Alternative Names

Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - acute; Ureteral obstruction

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Unilateral obstructive uropathy is most often caused by a kidney stone, although injury or other conditions could cause the disorder.

When urine flow is blocked, it backs up into the kidney. This leads to kidney swelling, also called hydronephrosis.

You have a greater risk for unilateral obstructive uropathy if you have ureteral stones and tumors, kidney stones, and tumors in nearby body structures such as the uterus and cervix.

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

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, right or left lower quadrant
• Abnormal urine color (tan, cola colored, tea colored)
• Back pain, may be on only one side
• Blood in the urine
• Fever
• Flank pain or pain in the side
  • Severe enough to require strong pain medicine
  • Pain on one side; it may move to the groin, genitals, and thigh
  • Pain comes and goes; intensity changes over minutes
• Foul-smelling urine
• High blood pressure that has increased recently (within 2 weeks)
• Mental status changes
• Nausea
• Urinary frequency
• Urinary urgency
• Urinary tract infection
• Vomiting

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Pressing with the fingers on (palpation of) the belly area may reveal a swollen or tender kidney. Blood pressure may be high.

The following tests may be done:

• Basic metabolic panel
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis
• Urine culture

Kidney swelling or blockage of the ureter may be seen on these tests:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Kidney scan