Bladder Outlet ObstructionSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a blockage at the base of the bladder. It reduces or stops the flow of urine into the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body.
BOO; Lower urinary tract obstruction; Prostatism; Urinary retention - BOO
This condition is common in aging men. It is often caused by an enlarged prostate. Bladder stones and bladder cancer are also more commonly seen in men than women. As a man ages, the chances of getting these diseases increase greatly.
Other common causes of BOO include:
- Pelvic tumors (cervix, prostate, uterus, rectum)
- Narrowing of the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder (urethra), due to scar tissue or certain birth defects
Less common causes include:
- Cystocele (when the bladder falls into the vagina)
- Foreign objects in the bladder or urethra
- Urethral or pelvic muscle spasms
- Inguinal (groin) hernia
The symptoms of BOO may vary, but can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Continuous feeling of a full bladder
- Frequent urination
- Pain during urination (dysuria)
- Problems starting urination (urinary hesitancy)
- Slow, uneven urine flow, at times being unable to urinate
- Straining to urinate
- Urinary tract infection
- Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Urinary incontinence
Treatment of BOO depends on its cause. A tube, called a catheter, is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This is done to relieve the blockage.
Sometimes, a catheter is placed through the belly area into the bladder to drain the bladder. This is called a suprapubic tube.
Most often, you will need surgery for a long-term cure of BOO. However, many of the diseases that cause this problem can be treated with medicines. Talk to your provider about possible treatments.
Northwell Health Physician Partners At Syosset
Dr. Bilal Chughtai, Chief of Urology at Plainview Hospital, completed his medical degree at Stony Brook University, followed by residency in urologic surgery at Albany Medical Center. He completed his fellowship in Male Voiding Dysfunction, Neuro-Urology, Female Pelvic Medicine Reconstructive Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.Dr. Chughtai specializes in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and Male Voiding Dysfunction. He maintains a deep, longitudinal interest in these highly prevalent and debilitating conditions and has focused both his clinical, research, and teaching activities on these areas.Dr. Chughtai's mentorship in clinical and basic science research projects has enabled his team to be investigators in numerous clinical trials, as well as translational, and outcomes research including National Institute of Health and industry support. He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles, chapters in urologic texts, 4 textbooks, and has presented extensively at national and international meetings. Dr. Chughtai is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bladder Outlet Obstruction. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Urinary Incontinence, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Aquablation, and Prostatectomy. Dr. Chughtai is board certified in American Board Of Urology and American Board Of Urology/Urogynecology And Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.
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Craig Comiter is a Urologist practicing medicine in Redwood City, California. Dr. Comiter is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bladder Outlet Obstruction. He is also highly rated in 37 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Urinary Incontinence, Bladder Outlet Obstruction, Frequent or Urgent Urination, Sacral Nerve Stimulation, and Aquablation.
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Victor Nitti is a Urologist practicing medicine in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Nitti is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bladder Outlet Obstruction. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Urinary Incontinence, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Bladder Outlet Obstruction, Ureteral Reconstruction, and Bladder Reconstruction.
Most causes of BOO can be cured if diagnosed early. However, if the diagnosis or treatment is delayed, this can cause permanent damage to the bladder or kidneys.
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of BOO.
Summary: This study compares the safety and efficacy of three endoscopic enucleation techniques for large prostates (\>100 mL) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation (ThuFLEP), Holmium Laser Enucleation (HoLEP), and Bipolar Enucleation (B-TUEP). Ninety male patients with severe lower urinary tract symptoms (IPSS ≥20, Qmax ≤10 mL/s) who failed medical therapy wi...
Summary: This single-center, single-arm, prospective clinical study aims to preliminarily evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ultra-minimally invasive prostatic dilation using a prostate dilation catheter under real-time transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance in male patients with significant bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 5 eligible male subject...
Published Date: April 19, 2026
Published By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Capogrosso P, Pozzi E, Salonia A, Montorsi F. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, et al, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 150.
Cruz F, Michel MC, Igawa Y. Pharmacologic management of lower urinary tract storage and emptying failure. In: Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, et al, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 113.
Heesakkers JPFA, Smits M, van Koeveringe G. Electrical stimulation and neuromodulation in storage and emptying failure. In: Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, et al. eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 115.
Kaplan SA. Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 114.