It is a condition of severe lumbar and/or abdominal pain, secondary to the obstruction of the passage of urine that causes an increase in pressure in the urinary system.
The cause of the obstruction is a stone that is generated as a result of a combination of genetic predisposition and the existence of favourable factors.
It manifests with pain in the lower back that may extend to the groin area and genitals.
Diagnosis is clinical and is confirmed by blood tests and imaging tests (usually abdominal ultrasound).
Pain should be treated and proper hydration ensured. In cases where the stone is not expelled spontaneously, fragmentation techniques may be used. Continued obstruction can lead to severe infection and/or permanent loss of kidney function.
- Mark L Zeidel, MD, W Charles O'Neill, MD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of urinary tract obstruction and hydronephrosis. UpToDate. Nov 05, 2015.
- Klahr S. Pathophysiology of obstructive nephropathy. Kidney Int 1983; 23:414.
- Webb JA. Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renal obstruction. BMJ 1990; 301:944.
- E. Bergadá Barado, L. Revert Torrellas. Aspectos metabólicos de la litiasis renal. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen I. Duodécima edición. 932:936.
- Gary C. Curhan. Nefrolitiasis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1866:1874.
