Urinary Obstructions

Treatment Options

Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the patient's urinary system and the symptoms associated with urinary obstruction. The medical team is led by Mayo Clinic urologists, specialists who have extensive experience in treating the urinary system, and nephrologists, specialists in treating kidney disease.

The medical team will coordinate care from specialists in other medical fields at Mayo Clinic as needed, from pediatrics to geriatrics, oncology, cardiology, internal medicine, and others.

Temporary, or Short-term, Treatment

A urinary obstruction can cause acute pain or potentially serious problems if the urine is backing up into the kidneys. In these cases, the patient may need immediate relief. Depending on the location of the obstruction, these short-term treatments can include:

• A catheter (small tube) inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine from the bladder.
• A stent (hollow tube) in the ureter (between the kidney and bladder) to keep the ureter open.
• A nephrostomy tube can inserted through the patient's lower back to drain urine directly from the kidney (percutaneous nephrostomy).

Cystoscopy
A cystoscope is a small, flexible tube which includes an optical system. The cystoscope is inserted into the body through the urethra. The optical system allows doctors to see inside the body and perform surgery by inserting and manipulating equipment through the tube. For patients with urinary obstruction, cystoscopy is used to diagnose urinary tract disorders, such as enlarged prostate. During the procedure, the doctor can also surgically remove obstructions such as kidney stones.

Permanent, or Long-term, Treatments

Treatment options depend on the kind of urinary obstruction and may involve medication or surgery. Mayo Clinic urologic surgeons are leaders in using robotic technology to increase precision and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery. The benefits to patients are more rapid recovery and minimal scarring. Should the obstruction affect kiddney function, kidney specialists (nephrologists) can advise on treatment options.

If both kidneys are permanently damaged and no longer function as a result of the urinary obstruction, Mayo Clinic offers state-of-the-art renal dialysis and kidney transplant programs.

Treatment of Infections

Once urine has backed up into the urinary system, it can cause an infection that is difficult to cure. Mayo Clinic urologists coordinate with the patient's primary care or local physician to closely monitor the patient for urinary tract infections and to provide treatment.