Ureteral obstruction

Diagnosis

Often, providers diagnose ureteral obstruction disorders before birth during routine prenatal ultrasounds, which can show details of the developing fetus, including the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Providers often perform another ultrasound after birth to reevaluate the kidneys.

If your provider suspects you have an obstructed ureter, some of these tests and scans might be used to reach a diagnosis:

• Blood and urine tests. Your provider checks samples of your blood and urine for signs of infection and the presence of creatinine, which signals that your kidneys aren't working properly.
• Ultrasound. An ultrasound of the area behind your abdominal organs (retroperitoneal ultrasound) allows your provider to view the kidneys and ureters.
• Bladder catheterization. To test for incomplete or blocked urine flow, your provider inserts a small tube (catheter) through the urethra, injects dye into your bladder, and takes X-rays of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra before and during urination.
• Renal nuclear scan. Your provider or a technician injects a tracer that contains a small amount of radioactive material into your arm. A special camera detects the radioactivity and produces images that your provider uses to evaluate the urinary system.
• Cystoscopy. A small tube with a camera and light is inserted into your urethra or through a small incision. The optical system allows the provider to see inside the urethra and bladder.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of your kidneys, ureter and bladder.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An abdominal MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues that make up your urinary system.

Treatment

The goal of ureteral obstruction treatment is to remove blockages, if possible, or bypass the blockage, which may help repair damage to the kidneys. Treatment might include antibiotics to clear associated infections.

Drainage procedures

A ureteral obstruction that causes severe pain might require an immediate procedure to remove urine from your body and temporarily relieve the problems caused by a blockage. Your doctor (urologist) may recommend:

• A ureteral stent, which is a hollow tube inserted inside the ureter to keep it open.
• Percutaneous nephrostomy, during which your doctor inserts a tube through your back to drain the kidney directly (percutaneous nephrostomy).
• A catheter, which is a tube inserted through the urethra to connect the bladder to an external drainage bag. This may be especially important if problems with your bladder also contribute to poor drainage of your kidneys.

Your doctor can tell you which procedure or combination of procedures is best for you. Drainage procedures might provide temporary or permanent relief, depending on your condition.

Surgical procedures

There are a number of surgical procedures used to correct ureteral obstructions. The type of procedure depends on your situation.

Ureteral obstruction surgery may be performed through one of these surgical approaches:

• Endoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure involves passing a lighted scope through the urethra into the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. The surgeon makes a cut into the damaged or blocked part of the ureter to widen the area and then places a hollow tube (stent) in the ureter to keep it open. This procedure may be done to both diagnose and treat a condition.
• Open surgery. The surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen to remove the blockage and repair your ureter.
• Laparoscopic surgery. In this approach, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions through your skin to insert a small tube with a light, a camera and other instruments needed for the procedure.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon uses a robotic system to perform a laparoscopic procedure.

The main differences among these surgical approaches are your recovery time after surgery and the number and size of incisions used for the procedure. Your doctor (urologist) determines the type of procedure and the best surgical approach to treat your condition.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Preparing for your appointment

Depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, you may make an appointment with your health care provider. Or, you might be referred immediately to a urinary tract specialist (urologist).

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses.
• Questions to ask your provider.

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For ureteral obstruction, basic questions to ask your provider include:

• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your provider is likely to ask you several questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Avoid doing anything that seems to worsen your signs and symptoms.