Bladder outlet obstruction (bladder outlet obstruction)

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Definition

What is that bladder outlet obstruction(bladder outlet obstruction)?

Bladder outlet obstruction (bladder outlet obstruction) or base bladder obstruction is a blockage that occurs at the base of the bladder. This condition blocks or stops the flow of urine to the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).

BOO is experienced by many elderly men. The blockage usually starts with BPH (benign prostate enlargement), bladder stones, or bladder cancer. As you get older, the risk of developing blockages increases.

The symptoms of BOO can mimic those of other bladder diseases. Therefore, you need to undergo a series of tests to diagnose this disease. The diagnosis process is also useful for detecting other diseases that trigger it.

After being diagnosed, then you can treat it with medication or other methods recommended by your doctor. The sooner the disease is detected, the easier the treatment will be.

Conversely, BOO that is treated late can result in permanent damage to the bladder. Damage due to blockage can also affect the entire urinary tract to the kidneys.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction vary widely and can mimic other ailments such as an overactive or artificial bladder. However, sufferers often experience the following complaints:

• Abdominal pain.
• Urinating frequently.
• Can't urinate
• Pain when urinating.
• Weak and slow flow of urine.
• Constantly feeling like urinating.
• Difficulty passing urine when urinating.
• Urinary tract infection occurs.
• The flow of urine was intermittent.
• Often wake up in the middle of the night to urinate (nocturia).
• Nausea and weakness when the disease affects the kidneys.

There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you experience symptoms of bladder disease that are less clear, consult a doctor immediately to determine the cause.

Cause

What causes bladder obstruction?

As you get older, the greater your risk of developing various bladder disorders. These disorders gradually affect bladder function, including causing blockage and blocking the flow of urine.

The conditions that most commonly cause bladder obstruction include:

• BPH disease (benign prostate enlargement),
• bladder stones,
• bladder cancer,
• tumors in the pelvic area (cervix, prostate, uterus, rectum),
• Urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra due to inflammation or scar tissue),

The following conditions can also cause BOO, but they are rare:

• cystocele (the bladder descends into the area of ​​the sex organs),
• entry of foreign objects into the bladder,
• posterior urethral valves (congenital malformations in men),
• urethral spasms (spasms of the urethral muscles),
• urethral diverticulitis (formation of a pocket around the urethra), and
• taking medications to treat an overactive bladder (overactive bladder).

Diagnosis

How to diagnose BOO?

Your doctor may suspect a BOO if you have an enlarged stomach or your bladder is larger than normal. A diagnosis of BOO is also common in men who have an enlarged prostate and women with a drooping bladder.

Examinations to diagnose BOO include:

• Blood tests to check for signs of kidney damage
• A uroflowmetry test to measure how fast the urine flows
• Urodynamic tests to see bladder function and how much urine flow is obstructed
• Urine test (urinalysis) to look for blood in the urine
• Urine culture test to check for signs of infection
• Cystoscopy and urethrogram to look for narrowing of the urethra
• Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to find the location of blockages

Treatment

What are the available treatments?

Treatment of BOO depends on the cause. In most cases, the reliable method is insertion of a urinary catheter. This method aims to correct bladder blockage and improve obstructed urine flow.

The doctor will insert a catheter into the urethra into the bladder. In certain cases, the doctor may have to insert a suprapubic catheter through the stomach. This catheter has the same function, which is to empty the bladder so that you can urinate normally.

BOO that is detected early and has not caused complications can actually be treated with drugs. The doctor will prescribe any medication that you need to take based on the initial disease that caused the blockage.

The consumption of drugs can also be relied upon for long-term treatment of BOO. However, in certain cases, long-standing bladder blockage usually needs to be treated with surgery.

This is why bladder outlet obstruction should be detected as early as possible. This is because the blockage in this vital organ has not had an impact on the kidneys, urethra, or other parts of the urinary system.

Prevention

How to prevent BOO?

The condition of the bladder continues to decline over time, but the chances of developing disease increase. These various diseases can cause blockage and other disorders of the bladder.

The best way to prevent BOO is to reduce the risk of bladder disease. You can start by keeping your bladder healthy with these tips.

• Not holding back urination.
• Do not rush to urinate so that the bladder is empty.
• Relax when urinating.
• Drink enough fluids, especially water.
• Limit consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.
• Increase fiber foods such as vegetables, fruit and nuts.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise and pelvic muscle exercises on a regular basis.
• Quit smoking.
• Wear loose clothing.

Another step that is no less important is to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms bladder outlet obstruction. A complete examination can help detect the disease earlier so that treatment can be optimal.