Alternative Names
Urethral obstruction; Acute urethral obstruction; Obstructive uropathy – bilateral – acute
Definition of Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy
Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy is a sudden blockage of the flow of urine from both kidneys. The kidneys continue to produce urine in the normal manner, but because urine does not drain properly, the kidneys start to swell.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
In men, acute bilateral obstructive uropathy is most often a result of an enlarged prostate. Other causes in men include:
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam. The exam may show:
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve the blockage, which will allow urine to drain from the urinary tract. You may need to stay in a hospital for a short while.
Expectations (prognosis)
If the acute obstruction is quickly relieved, symptoms usually go away within hours to days. If untreated, the disorder causes progressive damage to the kidneys. It may eventually lead to high blood pressure or .
Review
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 – 3/22/2010
