Ureterocele

A ureterocele is a swelling of the ureter, which is near the bladder.

• Ureteroceles can occur in children with single or double ureters.
• Large ureteroceles may protrude into the urethra and obstruct the flow of urine.
• They can also cause vesicoureteral reflux.
• Surgery is usually necessary to repair your child’s ureterocele.

Research on ureteroceles

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston's Center for Genitourinary Tissue Reconstruction are looking into ways to apply tissue-engineering techniques to treat children with ureteroceles. Doctors would be able to take a sample of cells from your child’s ureter, and grow it in the laboratory to create enough tissue help reconstruct it.