[Obstruction of the lower urinary tract in women].

OBJECTIVES

To review the literature on female bladder outlet obstruction.

METHODS

Female lower urinary tract obstruction clinical and urodynamic diagnostic criteria are defined.

RESULTS

The main etiologic processes are identified: 1) Obstruction secondary to pelvic organ prolapse; 2) Postsurgical obstruction; 3) Uncoordinated voiding; 4) Detrusor-striated sphincter dyssinergia; 5) Bladder neck primary obstruction. The diagnostic features and various available treatments depending on the etiology (pharmacological, reeducative or surgical) are commented.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder outlet obstruction in the female is an underdiagnosed process frequently, which presents with a clinical picture different than in males, and demands a careful study from the urologist in order to identify the anatomical or functional cause. It will always be important to keep a high level of suspicion, mainly after treatment failures for voiding syndromes or recurrent urinary tract infections.