The modern endoscopic approach to ureterocele

During the last 20 years the surgical approach to ureterocele has evolved from major open surgery to minimally invasive endoscopic puncture. We believe that the endoscopic approach decreases the need for open surgical procedures. We identified specific factors that predict the need for repeat surgery.

We reviewed the charts of 60 new patients with ureterocele treated with primary endoscopic incision between 1991 and 1995. Followup ranged from 4 to 62 months (mean 20). Mode of presentation, ureterocele location, associated vesicoureteral reflux and association of the ureterocele with a duplex system were evaluated. Ureterocele wall thickness was assessed subjectively via radiographic and cystoscopic methods, and categorized as thin, intermediate and thick.

All 9 patients with a single system ureterocele had an intravesical ureterocele. No patient had associated reflux nor did any require a secondary open procedure. In 3 cases new onset ipsilateral reflux into the ureterocele spontaneously resolved. Of the 51 patients with a duplex system and associated ureterocele 19 (37%) required a secondary open procedure. The ureterocele was intravesical and ectopic in 22 (43%) and 29 (57%) cases, respectively. Reflux was associated with the ureterocele in 27 patients (53%), and 12 (44%) required a secondary open procedure. A total of 11 patients underwent ureteral reimplantation of 15 refluxing renal units and only 2 renal units required ureteral tapering. Reflux is no longer present in 14 of the 15 renal units (93%). Patients with a thick walled ureterocele required repeat puncture more frequently than those with a nonthick ureterocele.

With the use of modern endoscopic techniques children with intravesical and single system ureteroceles require secondary open surgery less frequently than those with ectopic and duplex system ureteroceles. The mode of presentation does not predict the need for a repeat open procedure. Thick walled ureteroceles require repeat endoscopic puncture more frequently than thin and intermediate walled ureteroceles.