Skip to Content

Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy

Definition

Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy is a condition in which there is long-term blockage of one of the tubes (ureters) that drains urine from the kidneys.

See also:

Alternative Names

Ureteral obstruction - chronic; Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - chronic

Causes

Unilateral obstructive uropathy usually occurs when ureteral or kidney stones block the flow of urine. Urine backs up and causes kidney swelling (hydronephrosis).

Risk factors for unilateral obstructive uropathy include:

  • Kidney stones
  • Tumors in surrounding structures such as uterus, cervix, or lymph nodes
  • Ureteral stones and tumors

Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs in approximately 5 out of every 1,000 people.

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes feeling your abdomen. The exam may reveal a swollen kidney.

A blood pressure measure may reveal high blood pressure. A urinalysis may show blood in the urine. A urine culture can determine if you have an infection.

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

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce or remove the blockage.

Stents or drains placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis may provide short-term relief of symptoms.

A nephrostomy tube, which drains urine from the kidney through the back, may be used to relieve the blockage.

Surgery to repair the underlying cause will usually correct the blockage.

Outlook (Prognosis)

This condition damages the structures of the urinary tract. It may result in permanent damage to the kidney. If only one kidney is involved, the other kidney usually continues to work, and kidney failure or insufficiency does not occur.

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if you have flank pain or other symptoms of chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy.

If you have already been diagnosed with this condition, call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or persist despite treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention

If you are prone to kidney stones, drink plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses per day) to reduce the chances of their formation.

A diet low in sodium and oxalates and high in citrate may reduce your risk of calcium-based kidney stone formation. Talk to a nutritionist for more information on such diets.

Urinary tract infections should be treated promptly and thoroughly.

References

Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, et al. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:741-742.

Review Date: 1/24/2008
Reviewed By: Marc A. Greenstein, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. Urologist, Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request