Ureterosciatic hernia causes obstructive uropathy

Obstructive uropathy can be caused by urolithiasis, fibrotic ureteral stricture, inflammatory ureteritis with polyp formations, ureteral malignancy and various forms of external compression. Ureteral herniation is a relatively rare cause of obstructive uropathy and has been reported with herniation sites including inguinal canal, femoral canal and sciatic foramen. Most ureteral herniations occur in the inguinal area. In the literature, previous cases of sciatic ureter have been treated with observation in asymptomatic patients or with surgery in patients with obstructive uropathy or clinical symptomatology. We report the case of a 91-year-old female with asymptomatic hydronephrosis of the left kidney due to extremely rare ureterosciatic herniation. Her global renal function was acceptable. As she was elderly and a poor surgical candidate, watchful waiting was recommended after discussion with the patient and her family.