At the Oregon Urology Clinic, we offer specialized and comprehensive care for urinary obstructions. Urinary obstruction, a condition marked by blockage in the urinary system, can cause pain and discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Our experienced team of urologists provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for urinary obstructions, with a personalized approach that puts patient care at the forefront.

What is Urinary Obstruction?

Urinary obstruction refers to anything that inhibits the flow of urine through its normal path (the urinary tract), which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Obstructions can occur at any point along the urinary tract and can result in partial or complete blockage. A urinary obstruction may cause urine to back up into the renal system (a condition known as hydronephrosis), leading to kidney damage if not treated.

Urinary obstruction can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender, and can have various causes. It can stem from structural abnormalities, injuries, kidney stones, tumors, or benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.

Symptoms of Urinary Obstruction

Symptoms of a urinary obstruction can vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Some people may not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages, while others may experience pain in the side and back, changes in urination patterns, frequent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, or even kidney damage in severe cases.

Delving Deeper: Understanding the Causes and Types of Urinary Obstruction

Understanding urinary obstruction necessitates understanding the possible causes and the various types of obstruction. This knowledge helps in planning the appropriate treatment course.

Common Causes of Urinary Obstruction

Several factors can cause urinary obstructions, and the causes can vary between men and women due to anatomical differences.

For both genders, common causes include kidney stones, tumors in the urinary tract, scarring of the urinary tract (usually from previous surgery or radiation therapy), and neurological disorders affecting the bladder.

In men, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a common cause. As men age, the prostate gland can grow and compress the urethra, causing obstruction.

In women, urinary obstruction can result from pelvic organ prolapse, where the bladder, uterus, or rectum bulges into the vaginal space, blocking the urethra.

Types of Urinary Obstruction

There are two main types of urinary obstruction: acute and chronic.

Acute urinary obstruction occurs suddenly and causes severe symptoms. It is often due to kidney stones or a sudden inability to urinate (acute urinary retention), often due to an enlarged prostate in men.

Chronic urinary obstruction develops over time and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. It can be due to an ongoing issue like a growing prostate, a narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture), or a slowly developing tumor.

The Oregon Urology Clinic’s Approach to Treating Urinary Obstruction

Our multidisciplinary team at Oregon Urology Clinic provides comprehensive care for urinary obstruction. We understand the discomfort and potential complications that urinary obstruction can cause, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality care.

Diagnosis of Urinary Obstruction

Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards managing urinary obstruction. We begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination. We’ll ask about your symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any pre-existing health conditions.

Several diagnostic tests may be used to identify and locate a urinary obstruction, including a urine test to check for signs of infection or blood, blood tests to assess kidney function, imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the urinary tract, and urodynamic tests to measure the pressure and flow of urine.

Treatment of Urinary Obstruction

The treatment of urinary obstruction depends on the underlying cause and severity of the obstruction. Our goal is to relieve the obstruction, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications, especially kidney damage. Treatment options may include:

Medications: If the obstruction is due to prostate enlargement, medications can often help reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate the obstruction.

Surgery: For obstructions caused by kidney stones, tumors, or structural abnormalities, surgery may be required. We offer the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat urinary obstruction, reducing pain and recovery time.

Catheterization: In cases of severe obstruction, a catheter may be inserted into the bladder to allow urine to flow out. This can be a temporary measure until definitive treatment can be carried out.

Living with Urinary Obstruction

Managing urinary obstruction involves not just treating the existing obstruction but also preventing the recurrence of obstructions. At the Oregon Urology Clinic, we are committed to helping patients manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life.

We provide education on lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of urinary obstruction, such as staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding bladder irritants. We also offer long-term monitoring to ensure that treatment is successful and to catch any signs of recurring obstruction early.

At Oregon Urology Clinic, we understand the impact urinary obstruction can have on your life, and we are committed to providing compassionate, effective, and individualized care.