Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction in Ectopic Ureteroceles

Objectives: The management of ectopic ureteroceles is a challenging entity in pediatric urology. In our study, we aimed to determine the outcome after lower urinary tract reconstruction in ectopic ureteroceles. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 (12 girls, 6 boys) children with ectopic ureteroceles, treated between 1993 and 2003 by complete reconstruction, were enrolled in the study and their records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Ureterocele was found to be unilateral in 16 and bilateral in 2 children. Four patients had been previously managed by endoscopic interventions and 1 patient underwent partial nephrectomy. Ureterocelectomy was performed on 20 renal units, and of these 20 renal units, 9 underwent heminephroureterectomy, 1 ureterectomy, and 3 (with single system ureteroceles) nephroureterectomy. Seven (35%) renal units with adequate function underwent ureteral reimplantations. After a mean follow-up of 5.4 years (range 4 months to 9.5 years), no patient required a second procedure. Contralateral reflux that developed in 2 children after surgical treatment resolved spontaneously after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion: In the management of ectopic ureterocele, lower urinary tract reconstruction is an effective treatment alternative. According to the functional status of the renal parenchyma involved, the surgical procedure was limited to the lower urinary tract in 35% of the cases.