What Causes Kidney Stones?

Urinary Tract Blockages

Urinary tract blockages, also known as obstructive uropathy or urinary tract obstructions, prevent normal urinary flow. Instead of flowing from the kidneys to the bladder, urinary tract blockages cause urine to flow backward into the kidneys. Kidney stones trapped in the ureter can cause these blockages, and they might also be caused by blood clots, tumors, digestive tract diseases, and injuries such as pelvic fractures. Patients with urinary tract blockages generally report changes in their urinary habits. For example, they might have difficulty passing urine or experience a slower urinary stream than what is normal for them, and it is common to feel the bladder isn't completely empty after urination. Blood may be present in the urine. To diagnose urinary tract blockages, doctors will perform an ultrasound. Surgical procedures are used to remove the blockages, and surgical options may include the placement of a stent in the blocked kidney or ureter.

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