Epidemiology

In adults, the incidence and causes of urinary tract obstruction varies with age and sex.[1] Unilateral obstructive uropathy is most commonly due to ureteral stones. In the US, the prevalence of ureteric stones is estimated to be around 10%.[2] Prevalence varies between geographic locations at between 5% to 9% in Europe, and 5% to 15% in Asia.[3] Men are over 2 times more likely to be affected than women and there is increased prevalence in white populations compared with Hispanic, Asian, and African American populations.[2][3][4] The age at peak incidence is seen in adults aged 40 to 50 years.[5] Stones are more common in hot and dry climates.[3][6]

In older age groups, urinary tract obstruction is common in men due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or malignancy.[1] Autopsy studies show an increasing histologic prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia with age: 8% of men in the 4th decade of life and 80% in the 9th decade of life.[7]

Other causes of obstructive uropathy are less common and data on their incidence are sparse.

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