Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy

Alternative names:

chronic urethral obstruction; obstructive uropathy - bilateral - chronic; urethral obstruction - chronic

Symptoms:

• stronger and more frequent urge to urinate
• difficulty initiating the flow of urine (urinary hesitancy)
• dribbling of urine, incontinence
• decrease in the force of the urinary stream, stream small and weak
• need to urinate at night
• burning or stinging with urination
• feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• alternating episodes of increased urine output and decreased urine output
• fever and chills (if there is also urinary infection)

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• nail abnormalities
• blood pressure, high
• abnormal urine color

Signs and tests:

Examination of the abdomen by touch may show enlarged or tender kidneys. Rectal examination may reveal enlarged prostate. Signs and symptoms of chronic renal failure may be present. The blood pressure may be elevated.

• A urinalysis and a urine culture (clean catch) may show a urinary tract infection.
• A CBC may show leukocytosis (increased white blood cell count) if there is urinary tract infection or septicemia.
• A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) shows significant post void residual (more than 50 ml. urine remains in the bladder after urinating).

Hydronephrosis (distention of the renal pelvis and calyces) may be apparent on:

• IVP
• renal scan
• kidney or abdominal ultrasound
• kidney or abdominal CT scan