Ureterocele

Ureterocele

Ureterocele is a cystic enlargement of the intramural ureter, which probably occurs as a result of atresia of the ureteric orifice. It has a female-to-male ratio of 4:1 and occurs bilat - erally in 10%. Similar to ectopic ureters, ectopic ureteroceles frequently drain the upper pole and are often associated with dysplastic or non-functional renal tissue. In childhood, they usually present with infection. When large , they can obstruct the bladder neck or even the contralateral ureteric orifice. The classic feature of a ureterocele on an intravenous urogram (IVU) is the ‘cobra head’ sign. The treatment of simple uret - eroceles is surgical excision with reimplantation of the ureter. Endoscopic incision of a ureterocele is the preferred treatment method for simple ureteroceles in infants and small children, but may result in subsequent ureteric r eflux. A non-functioning kidney may need nephrectomy . -