UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Ureteral Obstruction
Blockage of the ureter from any cause , preventing urine flow from the kidney and requiring urgent relief to protect renal function.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Ureteral Obstruction?
Ureteral obstruction blocks urine from draining out of the kidney, causing hydronephrosis and progressive renal impairment. Common causes include kidney stones, ureteral strictures, pelvic tumours, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and post-surgical adhesions. Bilateral obstruction or obstruction in a solitary kidney causes acute renal failure. Dr. Vipin provides emergency endoscopic decompression followed by definitive treatment of the obstructive cause , tailored to whether it is stone, stricture, tumour, or extrinsic compression , ensuring maximum renal recovery.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Kidney stones lodged in the ureter
- Ureteral stricture from surgery, injury, or infection
- Pelvic tumour compressing the ureter
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis encasing the ureter
- Iatrogenic injury during gynaecological surgery
- Ureteral tumour , urothelial carcinoma
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Infected obstructed ureter requires urgent PCN or JJ stenting , a urological emergency.
Internal ureteric stent provides immediate drainage , can be done under local anaesthesia.
Percutaneous nephrostomy is the alternative when retrograde stenting is not possible.
Stone , URS laser lithotripsy. Stricture , ureteroplasty or reimplantation. Tumour , oncological management.
JJ stents require changing every 3–6 months. Definitive treatment allows stent removal.
Prompt decompression achieves near-complete recovery of renal function in most patients.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
DJ / JJ Stenting
Endoscopic internal ureteral stent placed cystoscopically to immediately restore kidney-to-bladder drainage , the first-line intervention for ureteral obstruction, protecting renal function while definitive treatment is planned.
- 1
Urgent Assessment
CT-KUB and renal function tests identify the level and cause of obstruction and the degree of renal impairment.
- 2
Decompression
JJ stent placed cystoscopically under local or general anaesthesia. PCN used if retrograde stenting is not possible or fails.
- 3
Cause Investigation
Once decompressed and stable, the underlying cause (stone, stricture, tumour, external compression) is further evaluated and treated.
- 4
Definitive Treatment
Stone: URS with laser. Stricture: ureteroplasty or reimplantation. Tumour: oncological surgery. Fibrosis: ureterolysis. Stent removed when patent.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
DJ / JJ Stenting
Internal ureteric stent placed endoscopically to bypass the obstruction and restore kidney drainage , first-line emergency intervention.
Percutaneous Nephrostomy
Antegrade drainage via a skin-puncture tube when retrograde stenting fails , provides immediate upper tract decompression.
Ureteroplasty / Ureteric Reimplantation
Surgical reconstruction of the damaged ureter or reimplantation into the bladder using a psoas hitch or Boari flap for distal injuries.
Laparoscopic Ureteroureterostomy
Laparoscopic resection and re-anastomosis of the obstructed ureteral segment for mid-ureteral strictures or iatrogenic injuries.
Open Ureteroureterostomy
Open surgical resection and end-to-end anastomosis of the ureter for complex, lengthy, or redo ureteral reconstructions.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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