Ectopic Ureter-A Retrospective Analysis, Symptom and Treatment

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ectopic ureters are congenital anomalies where the ureter does not enter the bladder at the normal anatomical location.
• These anomalies can lead to significant clinical challenges, including urinary incontinence and recurrent infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share clinical experience with ectopic ureters.
• To characterize associated clinical features, medical imaging findings, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 13 surgically confirmed ectopic ureter cases.
• Comparison of patient demographics, urinary leakage patterns, ectopic ureter location, renal dysplasia, and surgical techniques.

Main Results:

• 11 females and 2 males analyzed; 8 cases presented with persistent/intermittent urine leakage since birth.
• Ectopic ureters were predominantly unilateral, located in the vagina (6 cases) or urethra (4 cases).
• Associated findings included duplex kidneys (8 cases), ectopic kidneys, and renal atrophy (3 cases).

Conclusions:

• Continuous wetting with intermittent normal micturition is a classic symptom in young female patients.
• Ectopic ureters frequently coexist with duplex, ectopic, or atrophic kidneys.
• Personalized surgical approaches are crucial for achieving urine continence and preserving renal function.