DiseaseInjuryNutritionPoison
Special TopicSurgerySymptomsTest
2
4
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Kidney anatomy
Kidney anatomy
Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Kidney - blood and urine flow
Kidney - blood and urine flow
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Bladder outlet obstruction

Definition:
This obstruction is at the base of the bladder, and it reduces or prevents the flow of urine into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).

Alternative Names:
BOO; Lower urinary tract obstruction; BPH; Prostatism

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Bladder outlet obstruction can have many different causes. Some of the most common causes of BOO include:

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Bladder calculi (stones)
  • Urethral stricture (scar tissue)
  • Bladder tumors (cancer)
  • Pelvic tumors (cervix, prostate, uterus, rectal)

Less common causes of bladder outlet obstruction include:

  • Cystocele
  • Posterior urethral valves (congenital birth defect)
  • Foreign objects
  • Urethral spasms
  • Urethral diverticula

Bladder outlet obstruction is most common in the aging male. Bladder stones and bladder cancer are also more commonly seen in men than women. As men age, their chances of developing these diseases increases dramatically. One in three American males over the age of 60 has significant symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction.

Related topics:

Review Date: 5/25/2002
Reviewed By: Young Kang, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com