Ectopic ureteroceles in duplex systems: long-term follow up and 'treatment-free' status

Definitive treatment of ectopic ureterocele (EU) implies that no further surgery or prophylactic antibiotic is needed. The literature is unclear on which interventions render a child 'treatment free'.

Thirty (23 female, seven male) patients presented between 1984 and 2000. Follow up ranged from 5 to 15 years (mean: 7). Presenting reasons were: urinary tract infection in 18 (16 females, two males; age: 17<6 months, one 2 years), prenatal ultrasound in 11 (seven females, four males), and renal failure in one (male, aged 3 weeks).

Treatment was as follows. No intervention, three (10%). Single procedure, eight (27%): five hemi-nephrectomy (HN), two transurethral incisions (TUI), one excision and re-implantation (E&R). Two procedures, 14 (47%): first procedure 10 TUI, 4 HN; second procedure 13 E&R, 1 TUI. Three procedures, three (10%): first 2 TUI, 1 HN; second 3 TUI; third 2 E&R, 1 HN. Four procedures, two (7%): first 2 TUI; second 1 HN, 1 TUI; third 2 TUI; fourth 2 E&R. Eight (27%) remained on prophylaxis: two had no intervention, in 4 the ectopic ureterocele was in situ after HN or TUI, and two had reflux after E&R. Twenty two (73%) came off prophylaxis (16 E&R, 4 HN, 1 TUI, 1 observation). Poorly or non-functioning upper pole moieties were left in place in 14/18 who underwent E&R.

'Treatment-free' status most often requires ureterocele excision. HN alone can be definitive, while TUI alone is so rarely. Poor or non-functioning upper pole segments can remain after E&R. Children with collapsed ureteroceles in situ often must remain on antibiotic prophylaxis. A staged approach with initial TUI, followed by E&R, was successful in definitively treating the majority.