Ureteroceles in infants and children

Abstract

Ureteroceles in childhood have a broad spectrum of presentation, anatomy and pathophysiology and, thus, treatment must be individualized. We evaluated 64 children with 72 ureteroceles who underwent operation. Their presentation, radiographic findings, operative management and postoperative results are discussed. Simple or orthotopic ureteroceles often require no operation unless they are large enough to obstruct the urinary tract. Then excision of the ureterocele and ureteral reimplantation are recommended. There are a number of options available for the management of ectopic ureteroceles. The procedure of choice is upper pole heminephrectomy and partial ureterectomy in the majority of ureteroceles associated with a poorly functioning upper renal segment. Specific indications for each of the other surgical techniques considered acceptable at present are discussed.