Bladder outlet obstruction

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Kidney anatomy

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Kidney - blood and urine flow

Bladder outlet obstruction

Alternative Names:

BOO; Lower urinary tract obstruction; Prostatism
Treatment:

Treatment of bladder outlet obstruction depends on the underlying cause of the obstruction. For most cases, a Foley catheter (a tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder) will relieve the obstruction temporarily.

Occasionally, a suprapubic catheter (a catheter through the abdomen into the bladder) is needed to drain the bladder.

text continues below

Long-term treatment of bladder outlet obstruction is mostly surgical. However, medical treatment options are available for many of the diseases that cause BOO. You should have a thorough discussion of treatment options with your provider.

Expectations (prognosis):

If diagnosed early, most causes of BOO can be treated with great success. However, if diagnosis is delayed, permanent damage can result.

Complications:

Complications of BOO can be devastating. Permanent damage can be done on all parts of the urinary system with long term or high-grade bladder outlet obstruction.

Complications of BOO include:

Renal failure
Recurrent urinary tract infection
Urinary incontinence
Urinary retention
Bladder and renal calculi

Calling your health care provider:

If you have symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction, call your provider. Early diagnosis is important and can often lead to a simple and effective cure.