Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Kidney anatomy

Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy

Definition:

Urine is drained from the kidneys through tubes called ureters. Obstructive uropathy occurs when a one or both ureters becomes blocked. The condition may be acute or chronic.

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Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy involves a slow, progressive blockage of one ureter, resulting in a backup of urine and injury to the kidney.

Alternative Names:
Ureteral obstruction - chronic; Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - chronic
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs when urine cannot drain through a ureter because of an obstruction, often ureteral or kidney stones. Urine backs up and causes distention of the kidney (hydronephrosis).

Risks for unilateral obstructive uropathy include ureteral stones and tumors, kidney stones, and tumors in surrounding structures such as the uterine cervix.

The disorder damages structures of the urinary tract. It may result in permanent damage to the kidney and may be a cause of hypertension. It usually does not cause kidney failure because the second kidney continues to function.

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