Obstructive uropathy - unilateral - acute; Ureteral obstruction

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

Antibiotics may be given if there is a urinary tract infection.

Stents or drains placed in the ureter or nearby area may provide short-term relief of symptoms. Surgery to repair the underlying cause of the obstruction will usually cure the problem.

Kidney surgery, including removal of the kidney (nephrectomy) may be needed if kidney function is poor or if there is a bad infection.

The outcome varies. The disorder may result in permanent damage to the kidney. However, kidney failure usually does not result because the second kidney continues to function.

• Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection
• Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy
• Hypertension
• Permanent failure of the affected kidney (chronic renal failure)

Call your health care provider if you develop flank pain or other symptoms of acute unilateral obstructive.

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen during or after treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Images

Kidney anatomy

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

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Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy Symptoms

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Acute unilateral obstructive uropathy Prevention

Review Date: 02/09/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. 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)