Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy Health Article

Definition

Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy is a long-term blockage of urine flow from both kidneys. It is a slow blockage that gets worse over time.

Bilateral means "both sides."

See also:

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

Alternative Names

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The most common cause of chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy is a condition called bladder outlet obstruction. The kidneys produce urine in the normal manner but the urine cannot leave the bladder. Urine backs up, causing kidney swelling and damage.

When the blockage causes urine to back up into both kidneys, hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys) results. High blood pressure and kidney failure can result.

In men, chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy is most often a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Other causes of chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy include:

• Bladder tumors
• Prostate tumors
• Tumors or masses of the uterus or other structures around the bladder neck or urethra
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis
• Narrowing of the urethra due to a birth defect or scar tissue

Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 people.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the nature of the obstruction and where in the urinary tract the obstruction occurs.

Some of the most common symptoms of chronic obstructive uropathy include:

• Stronger and more frequent urge to urinate
• Difficulty initiating the flow of urine (urinary hesitancy)
• Dribbling of urine, incontinence
• Decreased urine output
• Decrease in the force of the urinary stream
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Burning or stinging with urination
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Alternating times of increased urine output and decreased urine output
• Fever and chills (if there is also a urinary tract infection)

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Nail problems
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal urine color