Obstructive Uropathy

Excerpt

Obstructive uropathy is a urinary tract disorder due to a structural or functional obstruction of urinary flow. Depending on the obstruction's location, backflow of urine into one or both kidneys can cause hydronephrosis, which can be identified by ultrasonography. Obstructive uropathy can be asymptomatic or present with a wide variety of symptoms, such as a combination of difficulty initiating micturition, acute or chronic urinary retention, or lower abdominal discomfort and distention. The condition can be acute or chronic and affects individuals across all ages and demographics. Obstructive uropathy leads to acute kidney injury in 5% to 10% of all patients with acute renal failure. This condition accounts for up to 55% of all acute kidney injury cases in patients older than 60. Some cases of obstructive uropathy can be life-threatening, such as obstructive pyelonephritis. Please see StatPearls' companion resource, "Hydronephrosis and Hydroureter," for further information.