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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Published on: April 4, 2025
[Ureterocele in children]
Rafael Alvarado-García1, Jorge Gallego-Grijalva, Gildardo García-Arano
1Clínica de Urología Pediátrica, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTE, Serafin Olarte No. 88, Independencia, 03630 México D.F., México.
Insights
Ureterocele, a bladder dilation, commonly presents as urinary tract infections in children. Ureteral reimplantation is often preferred for ectopic ureocele treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Congenital Anomalies
- Urinary Tract Abnormalities
Context:
- Ureterocele involves cystic dilation of the terminal ureter within the bladder.
- It frequently occurs with a double-collector system and affects female pediatric patients.
- This retrospective study analyzes pediatric ureocele cases from 1990-2002.
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of ureocele in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different surgical interventions for ureocele.
Summary:
- The study reviewed 40 pediatric ureocele cases, with a 50% male distribution and an average age of 20 months.
- Urinary tract infection was the primary symptom in 87.5% of cases.
- Ectopic ureocele (62.3%) was more common than orthotopic (37.5%), with ureteral reimplantation being the primary surgical approach for both.
Impact:
- Treatment strategies for ureocele are tailored to kidney function and contralateral kidney capacity.
- Therapeutic options range from endoscopic incision to nephrectomy and reconstruction.
- Ureteral reimplantation and ureterocele resection are favored for most cases.
Introduction:
Ureterocele is cystic dilation of the terminal part of the ureter located within the bladder of the urethra or both. In the majority of cases, it is accompanied by a double-collector system and affects 6:1 female child patients.
Materials And Methods:
We conducted an observational, longitudinal, transverse, descriptive, retrospective, and open study. Files of pediatric patients with diagnosed ureterocele from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 2002 were reviewed. Age, sex, symptomatology, type of ureterocele, side effects, and laboratory and image studies were analyzed.
Results:
There were 40 cases, 50% male, average age 20 months; first clinical manifestation was urinary tract infection in 87.5%. Ectopic type was found more frequently with 62.3% and orthotopic or simple, in 37.5%. First surgical intervention was reimplantation in 80% of ectopic and in 66.7% in orthotopic cases.
Discussion:
Ureterocele treatment depends to a great degree on status of affected kidney and capacity of functionality of the contralateral kidney. The spectrum of therapeutic modalities range from transureteral incision of ureterocele to nephrectomy and vesical reconstruction. Indication to proceed with endoscopy would be considered only in a patient with intravesical ureterocele with a simple collector system. We prefer to proceed in the majority of cases with ureteral reimplantation and resection of ureterocele.
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