Alternative Names
BOO; Lower urinary tract obstruction; Prostatism
Definition of Bladder outlet obstruction
Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a blockage at the base of the bladder that reduces or prevents the flow of urine into the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) can have many different causes, including:
Symptoms
The symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction may vary, but can include:
Signs and tests
If bladder outlet obstruction is suspected, your health care provider will take a thorough history of your problems. During a physical exam, your provider may find one or more of the following possible causes:
Treatment
Treatment of bladder outlet obstruction depends on the cause of the problem. For most cases, a tube, called a catheter, inserted through the urethra into the bladder, will relieve the obstruction temporarily.
Expectations (prognosis)
If diagnosed early, most causes of bladder outlet obstruction can be treated with great success. However, if diagnosis is delayed, permanent damage can result.
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. – 6/17/2010
