$Unique_ID{BRK00759}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is it Possible for Something to Block the Flow of Urine?}
$Subject{urine blockage backup Genitourinary urinary tract obstruction damage
kidneys stone enlarged prostate Tumors Kidney stones pressure bladder ureter}
$Volume{J-16}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Kidney*0004801.scf
Small Kidney Stones*0004802.scf
Stag-Horn Kidney Stones*0004803.scf
Cross Section of a Kidney*0004901.scf
Cancer of the Prostate*0007601.scf
Benign Hypertrophy of the Prostate*0007602.scf
Formation of Urine*0015901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it Possible for Something to Block the Flow of Urine?


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QUESTION:  Is it possible for something to block the flow of urine and cause
it to back up in the system?  Could you explain these causes and if they are
at all serious?

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ANSWER.  The causes of "urinary tract obstruction" are many, and the resulting
back up of urine is indeed serious and may cause permanent damage to the
kidneys.  Urine is produced by the kidney, which then flows down a tube like
structure called the ureter, to the bladder.  Here the urine is stored
temporarily, until its capacity is reached and you feel the need to empty your
bladder through another tube, the urethra, which leads to the outside.  Many
of the obstructions to this normal flow of urine are mechanical, the most
common in men being an enlarged prostate gland which compresses the urethra,
making urination a more difficult process.  Tumors are another frequent cause,
either those which grow within the urinary system, or push upon the structures
from the outside.  Kidney stones, formed in the kidney, can become "stuck" in
the ureter as they are pushed towards the bladder causing the flow of urine to
stop.  Any stoppage in the urinary flow causes increased "backup" pressure to
be exerted on the delicate kidney tissues, and can impair their function.  The
solution is to discover the cause of the obstruction as rapidly as possible
and relieve the blockage, to once again allow the kidneys to perform their
essential function.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.