What is obstructive uropathy?

Also known as: urinary obstruction, acute obstructive uropathy.

Obstructive uropathy is a condition in which there is a blockage of the urine flow in the tube (ureter) that carries urine between the kidneys and the bladder, or anywhere to the external urethral meatus (the opening at the tip of the penis).

It can affect one or both kidneys, occur acutely (suddenly) or over a longer time, and depending on the site of the obstruction, the backing up of the urine may result in progressive injury (hydronephrosis) to the kidney involved.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM