Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography01:22

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

1.1K
IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
1.1K
Ureters01:22

Ureters

1.5K
The ureters are retroperitoneal tubes located on either side of the vertebral column. They are responsible for transporting urine from each kidney to the urinary bladder. These tubes have thick walls and are approximately 25-30 cm long. Their diameter is around 10 mm at the renal pelvis, gradually narrowing to 1 mm as the ureter obliquely enters the posterior bladder wall through the ureteric orifices. The shape of these orifices is slit-like, which helps to prevent urine backflow toward the...
1.5K
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

1.3K
Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...
1.3K
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management01:25

Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management

384
Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...
384
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters01:11

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters

499
The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.KidneysLocation and Structure:The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs positioned behind the peritoneum on either side of the spine.Kidneys are between the 12th thoracic (T12) and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae.The position of the liver causes the right kidney to sit slightly lower than the left.Protective Layers:Each kidney is enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane called the...
499
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

2.4K
Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
2.4K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Impact of Azygos Vein Preservation on Postoperative Outcomes in Esophageal Atresia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from the Pediatric Surgery Meta-Analysis (PESMA) Study Group.

European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift fur Kinderchirurgie·2026
Same author

Predicting Differential Renal Function in Children With Vesicoureteral Reflux Using Ultrasound.

The Journal of urology·2025
Same author

Pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment: lessons learned after 100 consecutive cases.

Techniques in coloproctology·2024
Same author

Risk and protective factors for secondary procedures after endoscopic dilatation of primary obstructive megaureters.

World journal of urology·2024
Same author

Long-term outcome of randomized clinical trial between polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) as bulking agents for endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

World journal of urology·2023
Same author

Is Being Overweight a Risk Factor for Torsion of the Appendix Testis in Children?: A Paired Case-Control Study.

Pediatric emergency care·2023

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
06:39

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Published on: November 22, 2019

8.1K

Retrocaval ureter: a narrative review.

Sonia Pérez-Bertólez1, Paula Salcedo1, Leopoldo Tapia1

  • 1Pediatric Urology Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Translational Andrology and Urology
|September 15, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Retrocaval ureter, a rare congenital anomaly, can cause ureteral obstruction. Early diagnosis and minimally invasive surgery in symptomatic cases are key to preventing kidney damage and ensuring good outcomes.

Keywords:
Retrocaval uretercircumcaval uretercongenital anomaliesureteral obstruction

More Related Videos

An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
06:37

An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction

Published on: April 4, 2025

793
A Murine Model of Irreversible and Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction
14:05

A Murine Model of Irreversible and Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction

Published on: December 20, 2014

32.1K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
06:39

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Published on: November 22, 2019

8.1K
An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
06:37

An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction

Published on: April 4, 2025

793
A Murine Model of Irreversible and Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction
14:05

A Murine Model of Irreversible and Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction

Published on: December 20, 2014

32.1K

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly where the ureter passes behind the inferior vena cava (IVC).
  • This condition can lead to ureteral obstruction and subsequent hydronephrosis.
  • It has an estimated incidence of 1 in 1,000 births and is more common in males.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of retrocaval ureter.
  • To review the etiology, classification, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies.
  • To highlight advances in diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative, non-systematic literature review was conducted.
  • Databases searched include PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science.
  • Emphasis was placed on diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Retrocaval ureter is classified into two anatomical types; Type 1 is more common and linked to hydronephrosis.
  • Advanced imaging like CT urography and MR urography enhance diagnostic accuracy.
  • Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic ureteroureterostomy) is the preferred treatment for symptomatic patients.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis of retrocaval ureter is crucial for preventing renal damage.
  • Prompt surgical intervention in symptomatic cases is recommended.
  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques offer excellent outcomes with reduced recovery times.