Overview

Ureteral Anomalies

The ureter connects the kidney to the bladder in order to drain urine, and is important for kidney function. Ureteral anomalies may be present at birth and include vesicoureteral reflux of urine, ureteroceles, ectopic ureters, duplicated ureters, and obstruction of the ureter at the kidney or bladder (ureterovesical or ureteropelvic junction obstruction).

Ureteral anomalies may impact kidney and bladder function and require long-term monitoring and care, even if surgery was performed in childhood. New problems may arise in adulthood, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones and deterioration of renal function.

Our urologists in the Northwestern Medicine Congenital Urology Program work with patients long-term to prevent complications and optimize kidney and bladder function.