Urinary tract obstruction

O’Reilly, Patrick H.; Philippou, Menelaos

doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2007.05.002

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Volume 35, Issue 8 , Pages 420-422, August 2007

Urinary tract obstruction

Paddy O'Reilly FRCS is a Consultant Urologist at Stepping Hill Hospital, Cheshire, UK. He qualified and trained in Urology in Manchester. His research interests include obstructive uropathy, prostate diseases and nuclear medicine. He is past President of the British Association of Urological Surgeons. Competing interests: none declared

Menelaos Philippou MBChB is Senior House Officer in Urology at Stepping Hill Hospital, Cheshire, UK, and his ambition is to pursue a career in that specialty. He was born in Cyprus and qualified in Medicine at the University of Manchester, UK. Competing interests: none declared

Abstract

Urinary tract obstruction is a common problem. It may be acute or chronic, affect the upper or lower urinary tract, or both, and often presents as a urological emergency. In non-acute cases, appropriate management is necessary to prevent irreversible nephron loss and renal failure. In recent years, the techniques available to accurately diagnose the site and extent of obstructive uropathy have become more sophisticated, and many of the conditions responsible lend themselves to less invasive and even laparoscopic keyhole techniques. This chapter examines the various types of obstructive uropathy, their causes and diagnoses and the current surgical techniques available for treatment.

Keywords: obstructive uropathy, ureteric colic, urinary tract obstruction, urological emergency