Urinary tract obstruction

Question 1

What does an obstruction do?

Answer 1

Impedes urine flow
Increases hydrostatic pressure
Dilates structures proximal to the obstruction
Increases risk of infection
Compromises renal function

Question 2

What are anatomical changes referred to as?

Answer 2

Obstructive uropathy

Question 3

What is the severity of an obstructive uropathy determines by?

Answer 3

The location of the obstructive lesion
The involvement of one or both upper urinary tracts
The completeness of the obstruction
The duration of the obstruction
The nature of the obstructive lesion

Question 4

What is prostate enlargement caused by?

Answer 4

Acute inflammation
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Prostate cancer

Question 5

How does prostate enlargement affect the urinary tract?

Answer 5

Can cause encroachment on the urethra
Causes obstruction to urine flow
Distension - bladder enlargement/inflammation
Trabeculation - thickening of the bladder walls
Vesico-ureteric reflux - urine travelling back up the ureters

Question 6

How is prostate enlargement managed?

Answer 6

By treating the underlying cause of the prostate enlargement with medication or surgery

Question 7

What is hydronephrosis?

Answer 7

A condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen as a result of a build-up of urine inside them