[Diagnosis and treatment of mega-ureters in children]

In connection with 4 cases of megaureter in children, the diagnosis and the therapy of this condition are described. The term megaureter describes a large wide ureter. It may be associated with reflux or obstruction or be present without reflux and/or obstruction. The diagnosis of obstruction by renography may be difficult because of diminished glomerular filtration rate, either physiological or due to a decreased number of glomeruli, a high compliance of the collecting system, diminished urinary output or a filled bladder. Clear cases of obstruction and/or reflux should be treated operatively. In the asymptomatic child with a primary obstructive megaureter and a good relative function conservative treatment may result in reducing the dilatation without loss of kidney function.