Conditions
Ureterocele
Quick answer
A ureterocele is a balloon-like swelling at the lower end of the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. It can block urine flow, cause infections or kidney swelling, and is often found on pregnancy scans or in young children. Many are treated by a small keyhole cut through a cystoscope (a camera passed into the bladder), while some need open or laparoscopic reconstruction.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-27
Where the ureter enters the bladder, the opening should be wide enough to let urine pass freely. In a ureterocele, the opening is narrow, so the end of the ureter swells inside the bladder. It is present from birth and is more common in girls.
Many ureteroceles belong to a duplex kidney, where one kidney drains through two ureters. The swelling may block its own kidney segment, and sometimes the bladder outlet. Treatment depends on the child's age, kidney function and whether urine leaks back up (reflux).
Symptoms
- Repeated urinary tract infections, often with fever
- Kidney swelling seen on a pregnancy or newborn scan
- Pain in the side, belly or back
- Poor urine stream or straining
- A swelling seen at the urine opening in some girls
- Blood in the urine or kidney stones in adults
Causes and risk factors
- Abnormal development of the ureter before birth
- Duplex kidney (a kidney with two drainage tubes)
- Female sex
- Family history of urinary tract abnormalities
How it is diagnosed
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
- Micturating cystourethrogram (an X-ray during passing urine) to check for reflux
- DMSA or MAG3 scan to measure how well each kidney part works
- MRI urography for complex anatomy
- Cystoscopy to see and treat the ureterocele directly
When a procedure is needed
Treatment is needed when the ureterocele causes infections, blocks kidney drainage, or obstructs the bladder outlet. Endoscopic puncture is often the first step, especially in infants. Further surgery, such as ureteric reimplantation or removal of a poorly working upper kidney segment, may be needed if reflux or blockage persists.
Frequently asked questions
Is the keyhole puncture enough on its own?
Often it relieves the blockage well. But some children then develop reflux of urine into the kidney. These children may need a second operation later. Your urologist will check with follow-up scans.
Will my child need antibiotics?
Many babies and young children take a low daily dose of antibiotic to prevent infections. This continues until the urologist feels the risk is lower. Do not stop it without advice.
How long do we need to stay in India?
After endoscopic puncture, most children go home within a day or two. Plan to stay about one week. Open or laparoscopic reconstruction needs around two weeks.
What should we bring?
Bring all ultrasound and kidney scan reports and images, including pregnancy scans if relevant. Bring urine culture results and a list of infections and antibiotics. Note your child's weight and any other health conditions.
What follow-up is needed at home?
Kidney ultrasounds are repeated over months and years to check drainage and growth. Urine should be tested for any fever. Your local paediatrician can manage routine checks with reports shared with the urology team.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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