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Information for Parents

Ureterocele

  • What is this disease?

    • A ureterocele  is an enlarged area in the lower portion of the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder. Ureterocele are caused by a birth defect in which the opening in the ureter is too small for urine to pass freely into the bladder. As a result, urine backs up into the ureter, causing it to swell like a balloon. Sometimes it is associated with reflux or ectopic ureter or duplex system..Most cases of ureterocele are diagnosed before a child is 2 years old. Others aren't discovered until later in life when the condition causes kidney problems or recurrent urinary tract infections.

  • How it is diagnosed?

    • If not picked up in antenatal scans, these children are initially suspected to have Ureterocele  on USG done for Urinary tract infection. The diagnosis is confirmed by either IVP(done earlier) or MRU(MR Urography) or rarely CT urography. DMSA scan is done to check functioning of renal  system and DTPA scan is needed to check if there is any obstruction in system.

  •  How it is treated?

    • In incidentally diagnosed children with no hydronephrosis or Urinary tract infection, only close observation is needed. Hydronephrosis, UTI, dribbling of urine(ectopic ureter) are some of the indications of surgery

  • When it should be operated?

    • The decision to operate will depend upon clinical condition of child. However, early surgery is done if there is risk of infections and renal damage.

  • Are there other alternative methods of treatment?

    • Medical management in terms of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) is done in few cases.

  • What all I need to know before my child surgery?

    • Read “All you need to know before your child's surgery” information booklet in website.

  • How is the surgery done?

    • The surgery will depend upon the anatomy, renal functioning and clinical condition of the child. It can include cystoscopy( for ureterocele incision/puncture), ureteric  reimplant( if VUR). These surgery can be done both by open and minimally invasive means(Laparoscopy)

  • Remarks

    • For more details of surgery, contact your surgeon

  • Related Photographs and videos

    • Few photographs and video of steps done by me  is given here for learning purposes

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