Ectopic ureteroceles in children.

An ectopic ureterocele may be defined as a cystic dilatation of the distal submucosal or intravesical portion of a ureter that is associated with the ectopic moiety of a completely duplicated system or, in the absence of duplication, associated with a ureter draining into an ectopic position. Using this definition, we reviewed our experience with 22 children treated during a 7-year period. More than 50 per cent were less than 3 years old at the time of presentation. The female preponderance was 3 to 1. Urinary infection was the most frequent mode of presentation. The diagnosis is made most easily when there is a high index of suspicion. Although treatment must be tailored to the situation, in general total heminephroureterectomy and excision of the ureterocele are the preferred choice. Eighty-seven per cent of the patients so treated has a satisfactory result.