Ureteral Obstruction

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for ureteral obstructions. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international 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.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.

When you need ureteral obstruction care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Ureteral obstructions have a wide range of causes, including:

• A congenital condition causing two ureters to form on the same kidney
• Blood clots
• Cancerous and noncancerous tumors 
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Internal tissue growth
• Kidney stones
• Long-term swelling of the ureter wall
• Obstruction at the point where the ureter connects to the kidney or bladder, hindering urine flow
• Ureterocele: a narrow ureter causing a small bulge to develop and block urine flow
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis: a rare disorder causing fibrous tissue to grow behind the abdomen. The fibers encircle and block the ureters, causing urine to back up into the kidneys.

Symptoms of ureteral obstruction vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:  

• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Fever, nausea or vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Pain in the abdomen, lower back or sides 
• Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Swollen leg(s)

Ureteral obstruction is diagnosed with a complete physical examination and tests to confirm the diagnosis, including: 

• Blood tests and urinalysis to assess kidney function or identify infection 
• Computed tomography (CT) scan to provide detailed images of the urinary tract and to detect kidney stones, tumors or other obstructions
• Cystoscopy (used if other tests don’t provide a clear diagnosis): The urologist inserts a hollow tube equipped with a lens into the urethra and bladder.  
• Ultrasound to capture a detailed picture of the kidneys, bladder and ureters

Treatment for ureteral obstruction depends on the underlying cause and includes:

• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications: prescribed if the obstruction is caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) or inflammation 
• Ureteral stent: a thin, flexible tube inserted into the ureter to bypass the obstruction and allow urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder. This procedure is often performed as a temporary measure to relieve symptoms.
• Nephrostomy tube: a tube inserted directly into the kidney to drain urine into a drainage bag outside the body
• Surgery: may be necessary to remove the underlying cause of the obstruction. Procedures include ureteroscopy, lithotripsy (breaking up kidney stones with sound waves) or open surgery.