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What is it?
The ureter is a tube between the kidney and bladder. Typically, each child has two ureters—one that connects the right kidney to the bladder and one that connects the left kidney to the bladder. A ureterocele is a swelling of one of the ureters where it connects with the bladder. Large urteroceles may protrude into the urethra (opening to the bladder) which obstructs the flow of urine out of the bladder. The distortion of the bladder also may cause vesicoureteral reflux (PDF). Often there is a duplicate ureter (two ureters connecting one kidney to the bladder). Vesicoureteral Reflux may also occur.
What are the symptoms of ureterocele?
Children with ureterocele often are referred to pediatric urologists because of an abdominal mass or because of multiple urinary tract infections. Certain types of ureterocele can cause incontinence. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, pelvic pain, or blood in the urine.
How is it treated?
Your child's treatment will depend on the size of the ureteroceles and how well your child's kidney and bladder functions. Larger ureteroceles may need to be removed during surgery. If the ureteroceles has damaged the kidney, the damaged part may need to be removed, too.
About surgery for ureterocele at Children's
The pediatric urology surgery team at Children's provides next-generation care to neonatal infants, newborns, children, and adolescents from throughout the Upper Midwest. The team consistently performs some of the most cutting-edge surgical procedures available, including newborn surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery, when appropriate. Urologic surgery is performed at Children's - Minneapolis, Children's - St. Paul, and Children's West.
- If you are a family member looking for a Children's specialist in urology surgery, please call the Center for Pediatric Urology at 1-800-992-6983.
- If you are a health professional looking for a consultation or referral information, please call Children's Physician Access at 1-866-755-2121 (toll-free).
Return to Children's pediatric urology surgery home page.