Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
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:
Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy Obstructive uropathy
Alternative Names
Ureteral obstruction - chronic; Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - chronic
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Unilateral obstructive uropathy usually occurs when ureteral or kidney stones block the flow of urine. Urine backs up and causes kidney swelling (
Other causes include:
- Narrowing of the ureter that is present at birth (congenital), most commonly right below the kidney, a condition called ureteropelvic junction obstruction
- Injury to the ureter from prior abdominal or pelvic surgery
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.
Review Date: 03/22/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in
Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
