ABSTRACT
Developmental anomalies involving the genitourinary tract are the most common group of congenital abnormalities and are estimated to occur in 10% of the population. Bilateral incomplete obstruction, most commonly seen in elderly males with prostatic enlargement, results initially in tubular dysfunction with an impairment of the urinary-concentrating capacity. Urinary tract infection may involve either the bladder or the kidneys and renal pelvis, or both. The single most important criterion for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection is the presence of bacteria in the urine, called bacteriuria. Urinary calculi are formed by the precipitation of inorganic urinary constituents, with a small amount of organic material also being incorporated. An increase in the urinary excretion of a particular substance is usually an important factor, typically in hypercalciuria in which the increased excretion of calcium and phosphate leads to the formation of calculi.
