Ureteral

What are the ureters?

The ureters are a pair of tubes that move urine from the kidneys to the bladder. About every 10-15 seconds, tiny amounts of urine move through the ureters — unless a problem disrupts urine flow and causes health complications. 

What are the most common ureteral problems?

Some common ureteral issues include:

Ureteral obstruction

Kidney stones must move through a ureter and into your bladder before exiting your body (except in the case of surgical removal). But, in some cases, a kidney stone may move into a ureter and get stuck there, a condition called ureteral obstruction.

Ureteral obstructions prevent urine from flowing through and can lead to painful urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney dysfunction, sepsis (bacterial blood poisoning), and even death. 

Ureteral strictures

A ureteral stricture is the narrowing of a ureteral tube. This limits the amount of urine that moves through your ureter, and the tube could narrow so much that it causes a ureteral obstruction. 

Ureteral strictures often happen with scar tissue or severe inflammation near the ureter. It’s most common after traumatic injury to the abdominal area but can also occur due to gynecologic or urological surgery complications. 

Other types of ureteral issues also occur; for example, some people are born with disorders that affect their kidney, ureter, and overall urinary tract function.

How are ureteral conditions diagnosed?

Your urology specialist performs several tests to assess ureter function and health. You’ll usually need urine tests and X-rays, and many patients need an in-office procedure called cystoscopy for a close-up exam of the ureter. You might need advanced imaging tests like MRI or CT scan.

How are ureteral conditions treated?

Treatment of ureteral conditions varies with the disorder and its effects on your body. If you have a UTI, you’ll need antibiotics. 

You could need a procedure (for example, a ureteral stent placement) to hold a narrowed ureter open or a lithotripsy procedure to shatter stones with laser energy.

Surgical procedures usually involve removing the obstruction, repairing the damaged ureter, or removal of the damaged part of the ureter. 

Your Gulf Coast Urology specialist explains the treatment options and helps you find the right treatment. Book your appointment online or call the office to arrange your visit today.