Clinically, the patient may have evidence of increased diameter of the ureter with the possibility of hydronephrosis. If the stricture involves the ureteropelvic junction, surgical intervention is necessary to resect the area. If severe renal damage occurs due to associated hydronephrosis, a nephrectomy may be necessary. Congenital stenosis of the ureter can cause a resulting ureterocele. Ureterocele A ureterocele is a prolapse or dilation of the distal ureter into the bladder.
Ureteroceles are more frequent in females, and more common on the left side.
The size and shape of a ureterocele varies with each individual, and can be 1 to 2 cm in diameter, or almost as large as the entire bladder. Visual inspection of the bladder usually reveals the appearance of a thin-walled and possibly transparent mass. A ureterocele can be simple or ectopic. Another term for a simple ureterocele is intravesical ureterocele, which is contained entirely in the bladder. The ureteral orifice usually terminates in a normal, or near normal, location on the bladder.