Ureterocele

Definition:

A congenital disorder resulting when a ureter develops an outpouching as it enters the bladder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A ureterocele is an uncommon disorder characterized by a widening of the lower part of the ureter where it enters the bladder. This is associated with stenosis (narrowing) of the lowest part of the ureter.

The disorder is congenital. Ureteroceles may be discovered in infants during a prenatal maternal ultrasound (pregnancy ultrasound). Children often present with severe urinary tract infections. It may cause chronic unilateral or bilateral obstructive uropathy of the affected kidney(s).