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When does BPH start to cause renal insufficiency?

User Sherley
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Final answer:

BPH can lead to renal insufficiency when it causes significant obstruction of the flow of urine. This can be detected by increased serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen levels and diagnosed through medical ultrasonography. Treatment often involves medication or surgery to alleviate symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland enlarges, potentially leading to urethral constriction and lower urinary tract symptoms which can affect kidney function. Typically, BPH starts to cause renal insufficiency when the enlarged prostate significantly obstructs the flow of urine, leading to kidney issues like hydronephrosis. This obstruction can eventually cause an increase in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen levels, two indicators of renal insufficiency or failure.

There are risk factors associated with renal failure due to BPH which include medications interfering with normal bladder emptying and kidney stones that can also obstruct urine flow. Diagnosis of renal failure involves assessing serum creatinine levels, urine production rates, and possibly using medical ultrasonography to determine if the urinary tract is obstructed. Treatment options for BPH-related renal insufficiency include medication to alleviate symptoms or surgery to remove a portion of the prostate.