Obstructive uropathy

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Overview
Obstructive uropathy is a structural or functional hindrance of normal urine flow, sometimes leading to renal dysfunction (obstructive nephropathy).

It is a very broad term, and does not imply a location or etiology.

Causes
It can be caused by a lesion at any point in the urinary tract.

Causes include urolithiasis and ureteral herniation.

Symptoms
Symptoms, less likely in chronic obstruction, are pain radiating to the T11 to T12 dermatomes, anuria, nocturia, or polyuria.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on results of bladder catheterization, ultrasonography, CT scan, cystourethroscopy, or pyelography, depending on the level of obstruction.

Treatment
Treatment, depending on cause, may require prompt drainage, instrumentation, surgery (eg, endoscopy, lithotripsy), hormonal therapy, or a combination of these modalities.