Urinary Tract Obstruction
Access exceptional care for urinary tract obstruction at Montefiore Einstein Urology at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM). As a leader in Urology, we are an academic-based referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists is passionate about uncovering diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate research-based treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. We are committed to ensuring your child will receive the best patient- and family-centered care in a supportive and nurturing environment.
When you want only the best for your child, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What Is Pediatric Urinary Tract Obstruction?
Pediatric urinary tract obstruction occurs when a blockage or abnormality disrupts or slows urine flow through the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This condition can develop before birth (prenatally) or during childhood and, if untreated, may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney damage.
Causes of Urinary Tract Obstruction
The causes of urinary tract obstruction vary depending on the type and location of the blockage. Common causes include:
- Abnormalities causing narrowing, widening, or displacement of the ureter.
- Kidney stones.
- Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO): Partial or complete blockage of the urethra. The most common cause of LUTO is Posterior Urethral Valve (PUV), or extra tissue in the urethra, affecting male children.
- Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) obstruction: Blockage where the kidney meets the ureter.
Signs & Symptoms of Urinary Tract Obstruction
Symptoms of urinary tract obstruction depend on the severity and location of the blockage. Most obstructions increase the risk of UTIs, which can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, painful or difficult urination, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine frequency or smell. Children may also experience bedwetting, a weak urine stream, or a persistent feeling of bladder fullness. If untreated, urinary tract obstruction can also impair kidney function.
Diagnosing Urinary Tract Obstruction
Urinary tract obstructions can often be suspected before birth through prenatal ultrasounds. After birth, diagnosis may involve a combination of imaging tests, such as bladder and renal ultrasounds, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), nuclear scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and urinalysis. Once the obstruction is confirmed, close monitoring or surgical treatment options may be offered to help protect your child’s kidney function.
Treating Urinary Tract Obstruction
Treatment for urinary tract obstruction is based on the type and severity of the condition:
- Observation: Some mild obstructions may resolve on their own and only require monitoring.
- Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections caused by the obstruction.
- Surgical intervention: Severe or persistent obstructions may require surgery to remove or repair the blockage and correct structural abnormalities.