Ureterocele
Ureteroceles are cystic dilatations
of the distal submucosal
or intravesical
portion of a ureter. They
are seen in about 1% to 2% of children who undergo cystoscopy, although the
incidence in the general pediatric population is unknown. Ureteroceles
frequently are associated with
duplicated ureters (two ureters intersecting with
the kidney). They may be located entirely within (intravesical)
or outside the bladder (ectopic), at the bladder
neck or urethra. The etiology of ureteroceles remains
elusive. The current theory suggests that they derive from an intrinsic
defect in the ureteral bud and from abnormal incorporation of the ureteral bud
into the urethra and bladder.
Various anomalies are associated with
ureteroceles,
including duplicated ureters. Because of the potential association with
duplicated ureters, renal ultrasonography should be
undertaken in affected children to assess for hydronephrosis. In
addition, contralateral vesicoureteral reflux or
obstruction may occur. Finally, about 10% of
ureteroceles may be bilateral.
Ureteroceles
are the most common cause of urinary retention in females. They usually
manifest in early childhood with symptoms suggesting
infection of the urinary tract: fever, dysuria, foul-smelling urine,
hematuria, and abdominal pain. If the ureterocele is located near or in the
urethra, prolapse into the urethra may occur, resulting in urinary retention.
Physical examination may reveal
prolapse
through the urethral meatus,
but generally the urethra is normal. Although
intravenous pyelography (IVP) is not as commonly performed since the advent of
renal scans, it remains the gold standard for diagnosis of ureteroceles.
IVP typically reveals a unilateral, complete ureteral duplication with mild
hydronephrosis of the upper pole of the kidney or possibly only a lucent area in
the bladder where the ureterocele is located. A bladder diverticulum also may be
noted. Renal ultrasonography may reveal upper
tract dilatation and an ureterocele in the bladder.
Voiding cystourethrography must be undertaken to determine the
presence of associated vesicoureteral reflux. Computed tomography often detects
a ureterocele, but it is a rather expensive alternative.
Treatment of ureteroceles depends on the age and general condition of the
patient. If the ureterocele is intravesical, unilateral, and associated with
minimal hydronephrosis of the ipsilateral kidney,
simple excision with
reimplantation
of the ureter
may be sufficient. If there is significant hydronephrosis of the affected
kidney and renal function on the affected side (confirmed by renal scan) is
greater than 25% of total function,
pyeloureterostomy or
ureteroureterostomy may be necessary to relieve the obstruction and
hydronephrosis to preserve the remaining renal function of that kidney.
Urethral Prolapse
References:
Barrett DM, Malek RS, Kelalis PP. Problems and solutions in surgical
treatment of 100 consecutive ureteral duplications in children. J
Urol. 1975;114:126-130
Brock WA, Kaplan GW. Ectopic ureteroceles in children. J Urol. 1978;119:800-803
Mandell J, Colodny AH, Lebowitz R, Bauer SB, Retik AB. Ureteroceles in
infants and children. J Urol. 1980;123:921-926