Urinrørobstruksjon

Urinrørobstruksjon refers to a blockage in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This obstruction can occur at various points along the urethra and can affect both males and females, although the causes and specific locations may differ. Symptoms typically include difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, and sometimes pain or discomfort during urination. In severe cases, a complete inability to urinate may occur, which is a medical emergency.

The causes of urinary obstruction are diverse. In men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) is a very common cause, particularly in older adults. Other causes in men include prostate cancer, urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra due to scarring from injury, infection, or inflammation), and stones that have moved from the bladder into the urethra. In women, urethral strictures can also occur, though they are less common than in men. Pelvic organ prolapse, where organs like the bladder or uterus descend into the pelvic floor, can also compress the urethra. Infections, such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections, can lead to inflammation and swelling that obstructs the urethra. In both sexes, tumors pressing on the urethra, blood clots, or foreign bodies can also cause obstruction.

Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, urine tests to check for infection, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the urinary tract and identify the location and cause of the blockage. Urethral calibration or cystoscopy, a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the urethra, may also be performed. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the obstruction. Options can include medication to relax bladder muscles or shrink the prostate, or surgical interventions like dilation of the urethra, stent placement, or removal of the obstructing tissue. In cases of complete obstruction, immediate catheterization is necessary to drain the bladder.