Ureteral Diverticulum

Abstract

Twelve patients with ureteral diverticula encountered in a 25-year period are presented. Although the potential for the development of such lesions may arise from congenital maldevelopments, we believe that in the natural history much depends on the abnormal hydrodynamic states that may be acquired in childhood or adult life. Ureteral diverticula are frequently asymptomatic, requiring no treatment.

Ureteral Diverticulum in Adults: Diagnostic Problems and Therapeutic Implications

“…Their etiology and their clinical significance are still debated. Barrett and Malek [4], through a series of 12 patients with ureteral diverticulum, showed that associated renal or ureteral diseases may potentiate the development of a diverticulum. Infection has been implicated in causing diverticular formation or, at least, in leading to its discovery [5].…”

“…A nephrectomy is rarely necessary and should only be applied to infected and nonfunctioning kidneys [2,4]. Our patient underwent a diverticular resection with extraction of the stone by open surgery.…”

Gigantic ureteral diverticulum or pelvic cyst?

“…Although many factors have been suggested, the etiology of true congenital ureteral diverticulum remains unknown. Mostly, they appear to be asymptomatic but can also present with recurrent urinary tract infection [4].…”

“…Its connection and association with chronic infection of the urinary tract, vesicoureteral reflux, urolithiasis, and perhaps other associated conditions still remains obscure [3]. It may be congenital or acquired [4,5]. We report a case of massive cystic ureteral diverticulum in a 3.5-year-old boy.…”

Abdominal colic due to ureteric diverticulum with stone formation

“…Ureteric diverticulum rarely causes symptoms in children and is therefore mostly discovered in adults [2]. If symptoms such as abdominal pain or haematuria occur they are usually due to complications such as infection or obstruction of the diverticulum, stone formation or uretero-diverticular reflux [3].…”