Blockage can occur due to various reasons, either in the internal urinary tubes (Ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder or in the external urethra (Urethra) that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Obstruction of only one side of the internal ureters does not cause renal failure. But if there is a complete blockage in both the internal ureters at the same time or in the bladder and the external ureter, the flow of urine is reduced and the kidneys are affected and kidney failure can occur.
Permanent kidney damage/failure
If a blockage in the urinary tract is detected early and repaired within a short period of time, the kidneys can return to normal. But if the blockage is left untreated for long periods of time (weeks, months) the kidneys can become permanently dysfunctional even after the blockage is removed.
disturbances
Any obstruction below the bladder can cause difficulty in passing urine. Some of these are frequent urination, painful urination, dribbling, and abdominal pain. If the urinary tract is completely blocked, there may be no urine flow at all. Obstructions in the internal ureters above the bladder may sometimes be asymptomatic, but in most cases the cause of internal ureteral obstruction is kidney stones. These can cause back pain, abdominal pain, urinary irritation and blood in the urine. Causes of urinary tract obstruction are kidney stones, which can block any part of the urinary tract. Often comes with pain.
Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate-BPH
As men age, the prostate gland under the bladder swells and blocks the flow of urine from the bladder. Sometimes even a little bit of urine can be blocked. Rarely, cancer of the prostate gland can cause a blockage.
Bladder disorders
Sometimes problems with the nerves that control the bladder (eg diabetes, nerve damage, spinal cord damage) can affect the movement of the bladder and cause a blockage. Sometimes a plastic tube (catheter) may be permanently implanted in the external urethra.
Congenital disorders
Some people may be born with abnormalities in the structure of the urinary tract. Urethral valves in most boys can cause obstruction in the urethra. If these are detected early, they can be easily cured by surgery. Obstruction at the junction of the internal ureter and the kidney (PUJ Obstruction) Many people experience obstruction in the upper part of the internal ureter (in the area where it joins the kidney) due to a congenital structural disorder.
Although it is congenital, most people find it years later when they are diagnosed with pain in the ribs, or infection of the urinary tract. It is often found incidentally during a scan of the abdomen for other reasons. This can be easily corrected by a surgery called Pyeloplasty.
Tumors
Tumors, normal or cancerous, in any part of the urinary tract, or in organs near the kidneys, can block the passage of urine and cause obstruction. This will require separate tests and treatment.Inflammatory/bacterial infection of the urinary tract.
Urinary tract obstruction is usually not caused by germs. But sometimes fungal infection (Fungal Injection), a severe infection causes the tissue of the kidneys to shrink and block the ureters. People with diabetes are especially prone to this. With antiseptic treatment for this.
If necessary, endoscopic instruments may be used to remove the obstructing tissue. Another rare type of autoimmune disease is Retroperitoneal Fibrosis- (Retroperitoneal Fibrosis) where both the kidneys become blocked. If diagnosed correctly, it can be treated with steroids.
How are urinary tract obstructions diagnosed?
If there is a blockage in one part of the urinary tract, the area above the blockage fills with urine and swells like a balloon. This can easily be done with an ultrasound scan and if needed a CT scan. An MRI scan can detect these. Kidney stones and tumors are well known in this. Your urologist may order some special tests if needed.
What are the treatments for urinary tract obstruction?
The best treatment is to identify the cause of the urinary tract obstruction and eliminate it completely. But sometimes you may not be able to do this immediately after taking it. It may be necessary to implant special plastic tubes called stents or catheters through internal instruments for temporary relief of the blockage. Obstruction in the urethra. For this type of obstruction, a urologist can temporarily insert a special tube into the part of the urethra that is swollen above the obstruction to allow urine to flow out.
He will do this with a scan or with a special X-ray called a C-ARM. The urine that comes out like this is collected in a plastic urine collection bag. After some time the kidneys are ready and then a plastic tube called a stent is implanted through a renal endotracheal device. This stent tube can be kept for a few months.