Obstruction of bile or urine flow may lead to infection, pain, and deterioration of organ function.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- High fever and chills
- Severe back or abdominal pain
- A sudden reduction in urine output
- Weakness accompanied by jaundice
What is it?
Urinary tract obstruction can impair kidney function, while biliary obstruction can cause jaundice and cholangitis. In selected cases, interventional radiology plays an important role through drainage and stenting.
Symptoms
- Abdominal or back pain
- Jaundice
- Reduced urine output
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Fever
- Nausea
Causes & risk factors
- Stone disease
- Tumors
- Postsurgical strictures
- Inflammatory strictures
- Enlarged prostate
- Ureteral compression
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and instrumental test results are assessed together.
- Ultrasound
- CT
- Blood and urine tests
- MRCP in selected cases
- Imaging assessment of the need for drainage
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, comorbidities, and procedural risk.
- Antibiotics when indicated
- Pain and fluid management
- Percutaneous nephrostomy
- Biliary drainage
- Stenting
- Cause-directed surgical, urological, or gastroenterological treatment
How we help
At the center, the location and cause of the obstruction and its effect on organ function are assessed. When urgent drainage is required, the interventional radiology team plans a procedure to restore flow.
When a procedure may be needed
A procedure may be needed in the presence of infection, impaired kidney function, severe jaundice, or when flow must be restored before cancer treatment.
Patient checklist
- Do not delay seeking care for fever and pain
- Bring your ultrasound/CT reports
- Monitor urine output
- Report your medications and allergies
FAQ
Does drainage relieve pain immediately?
Symptoms may ease once the obstruction and pressure decrease, but treatment of the underlying cause is planned separately.
Does a stent remain permanently?
It may be temporary or long-term. The duration is determined by the cause and the clinical plan.
Last updated: