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Urinary obstructions can be life threatening and can permanently damage the bladder and kidneys. An accurate diagnosis, including the type and location of obstruction, is vital to finding the right treatment. Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive evaluation to ensure accurate and timely treatment. The medical team is led by a urologist and a nephrologist (kidney disease specialist).
Prompt diagnosis of a urinary obstruction is important, so that the problem can be treated before it causes permanent damage to the bladder or kidneys. Urinalysis, other urodynamic testing and X-ray tests help determine the location and possible cause of the obstruction. Read more about urinary obstruction diagnosis.
The goal of successful treatment of urinary obstruction is to clear the blockage and restore normal flow of urine through the urinary tract. This may include endoscopy or laparoscopic surgery, other techniques to provide short- and long-term relief, and attention to any infections that may develop. Read more about urinary obstruction treatment options.
Normally, urine is formed in the kidneys, flows through the ureters to the bladder, and is released through the urethra. A urinary obstruction blocks the normal flow of urine, causing it to back up toward the kidneys. Urine flowing the wrong way in the urinary tract can cause infections and kidney damage. Urinary obstructions affect about one in every 1,000 people, and they vary widely by the cause and type of blockage.
The obstruction can involve one or both kidneys, called unilateral or bilateral obstruction. The blockage may be complete or partial, and it can occur suddenly or develop over time. An obstruction can occur in any part of the urinary tract, whether upper (kidneys and ureters) or lower (bladder and urethra). Where an obstruction is located will determine the best treatment option.
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