Bladder Outlet Obstruction Overview
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 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.
Franciscan Medical Group
Jaspreet Parihar is an Urologist in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Parihar and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bladder Outlet Obstruction. His top areas of expertise are Cystinuria, Hydronephrosis, Bilateral Hydronephrosis, Prostatectomy, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Parihar is currently accepting new patients.
Multicare Health System
Jesse Mierzwiak is an Urologist in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Mierzwiak and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bladder Outlet Obstruction. His top areas of expertise are UPJ Obstruction, Prostate Cancer, Familial Prostate Cancer, Boils, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Mierzwiak is currently accepting new patients.
Franciscan Medical Group
John Bak is an Urologist in Lakewood, Washington. Dr. Bak and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bladder Outlet Obstruction. His top areas of expertise are Familial Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Bladder Stones, Ureteroscopy, and Reconstructive Urology Surgery. Dr. Bak is currently accepting new patients.
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: Congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a heterogeneous group of congenital anomalies that lead bladder outlet obstruction. If a complete obstruction is present, the perinatal mortality is estimated to be as high as 90% because of severe pulmonary hypoplasia due to the lack of amniotic fluid. Survivors have significant risk of renal impairment (90%) requiring dialysis or renal transpl...
Summary: Prostate adenoma, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH), involves an increase in the size of the prostate, forming a benign tumor. It is the most common benign tumor in men, generally affecting those over 40 years old. The risk of BPH is more than 50% in men aged 50 to 60 and rises to 90% in men by age 80. This hyperplasia leads to altered urinary flow and bladder outlet ...
Published Date: May 17, 2024
Published By: Sovrin M. Shah, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Capogrosso P, Salonia A, Montorsi F. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 145.