Bladder outlet obstruction

What is a bladder outlet obstruction?

Bladder outlet obstruction is a blockage of urine flow in the tube that carries urine from the bladder to exit the body. When bladder outlet obstruction happens during fetal development, it can cause urine to back up into the baby’s bladder and kidneys. This causes normal levels of amniotic fluid to decrease, which can lead to several problems, including bladder and kidney damage, and underdeveloped lungs at birth.

What are the signs and symptoms of a bladder outlet obstruction?

Symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction in an unborn baby may be seen on an ultrasound during pregnancy. This may include an enlarged bladder and decreased levels of amniotic fluid.

Symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction in a child may include:

• Abdominal pain

• Frequent urination

• Frequent urinary tract infections 

• Nighttime bedwetting

• Pain when urinating

• Problems starting urine flow

What are the causes of a bladder outlet obstruction?

The causes of bladder outlet obstruction in children may include:

• Abnormality in the urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body)

• Chromosome disorder

• Eagle-Barrett syndrome (also known as prune belly syndrome) 

• Hernia

• Pelvic tumor

• Posterior urethral valve (an abnormality of the urethra in males where the valve partially or completely blocks urine flow)