Obstructive Uropathy (Urinary Tract Obstruction) By Glenn M Preminger, MD, Duke Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center Reviewed / Revised May 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Causes of Obstructive Uropathy Obstructive uropathy is structural or functional hindrance of normal urine flow, sometimes leading to renal dysfunction (obstructive nephropathy).