Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy

Alternative names:

obstructive uropathy - unilateral - chronic; ureteral obstruction - chronic

Definition:

A disorder involving slow, progressive blockage of the flow of urine out of the ureter of one kidney, resulting in the backup of urine and injury to the kidney.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Unilateral obstructive uropathy occurs when the kidney produces urine in the normal manner but the urine cannot drain out of the ureter into the bladder because of an obstruction. Urine backs-up into the kidney and causes distention of the renal pelvis and calyces (hydronephrosis).

Sudden blockage of one ureter causes acute unilateral obstructive uropathy. Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy is commonly the result of progressive or chronic obstruction of one ureter.

Risks for chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy include ureteric stones and tumors, and tumors in surrounding structures such as the uterine cervix.

The disorder damages structures of the urinary tract. It may result in permanent damage to the kidney and may be a cause of hypertension. It usually does not cause kidney failure unless there is only one functioning kidney because the second kidney continues to function.

The incidence of chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy is 5 out of 1,000 people.