16322 Ureterocele

Overview

A ureterocele (you-REE-ter-oh-seel) is a small balloon-like bulge that forms at the end of a ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. This bulge can block urine flow and may cause urine to back up toward the kidney.

Ureteroceles are rare. Around 1 in 4,000 to 5,000 babies are born with one.

Ureteroceles can be found at any age, but they are most often diagnosed in children, especially girls. Sometimes they are first seen on a prenatal ultrasound.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Blood in the urine
• A weak urine stream or trouble starting to urinate

Symptoms in children

• Frequent urine infections
• Fever without a clear cause
• Poor feeding or slow growth
• A lump in the belly (rarely)

Symptoms in older adults

• Flank pain (pain in the side or back)
• Repeated bladder infections
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Blood in the urine

Causes

Main causes

• A ureterocele is a birth difference in how the ureter enters the bladder.
• The exact cause is not known, but it happens as the urinary system develops in the womb.

Risk factors

• Being female
• Having other congenital differences of the urinary tract (for example, a duplex kidney, where there are two ureters on one side)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or your child have a fever, chills, or severe pain in the side or back
• If there is a sudden inability to pass urine
• If you see blood in the urine more than once

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you or your child have repeated bladder infections
• If there is pain or burning when urinating
• If you are worried about any urinary symptom

Diagnosis

A ureterocele is often found before birth during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. After birth, it can be found with imaging tests that look at the kidneys and bladder.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
• A voiding cystourethrogram (a special x-ray of the bladder while urinating)
• Urine tests to check for infection or blood
• Sometimes, a CT or MRI scan

What to expect at your appointment

Most of these tests are simple. An ultrasound uses sound waves and is painless. A voiding cystourethrogram involves a small tube in the bladder and an x-ray while you empty your bladder. You or your child may be asked to drink extra fluids and have a full bladder for some scans. Your doctor will explain each step.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size of the ureterocele, the symptoms it causes, and whether it affects the kidneys. Many small, symptom-free ureteroceles are simply watched with regular scans and urine checks.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep urine dilute (unless your doctor says otherwise)
• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge
• Keep up with regular check-ups and imaging tests
• For children, monitor for fever and report any urinary symptoms

Medical treatments

Antibiotics may be prescribed for urinary tract infections or to prevent infections in young children. Routine immunisations are still recommended. Do not use over-the-counter urinary pain relief without checking with your doctor first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually recommended if the ureterocele causes repeated infections, blockage of urine flow, or kidney damage. The operation may involve draining the ureterocele, removing it, or re-implanting the ureter. This is done by a urology specialist.

Living with this condition

Most people with a ureterocele lead a normal, active life. If your child has one, you will need to keep up with regular medical visits. After successful treatment, many children have no long-term problems.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage healthy fluid intake
• Watch for signs of urinary infections
• Keep scheduled appointments even if your child feels well
• Talk to your doctor before any contact sports if there is a kidney problem

Diet and exercise

No special diet is required for a ureterocele itself. A balanced diet and regular physical activity help overall health. If kidney function is affected, your doctor may give specific dietary advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a condition that affects the bladder or kidneys can feel worrying. It can help to learn about the condition, ask many questions, and talk about your feelings with your doctor or a counsellor. For children, it is important to explain things at their level and reassure them that treatment helps.

Prevention

A ureterocele cannot be prevented because it forms during development before birth.

Vaccines

Children should receive all routine vaccinations, as these help prevent infections. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns.

Screening programmes

Routine prenatal ultrasound can sometimes detect a ureterocele. After birth, imaging studies are done when there are symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Kidney damage from urine backing up
• Kidney stones
• Difficulty urinating or blockage of the bladder opening

Long-term outlook

With proper care, the outlook is very good. Even when surgery is needed, most children and adults recover well and keep healthy kidney function. Regular follow-up helps catch and treat any problems early.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.