Objective: This is a study concerning ureteroceles associated with a single collecting system of the involved kidney.
Methods: Over an eight-year period 9 children (5 boys, 4 girls) had a ureterocele subtending a single collecting system, whereas 63 children had duplex ureteroceles. Malformations of other organ systems were present in only 1 patient.
Results: Three patients have undergone surgical interventions: a transurethral incision of bilateral obstructive ureteroceles in 1 and nephroureterectomy in 2. In 4 cases cystic/dysplastic kidneys involuted and were reabsorbed with collapse of the ureteroceles. The last 2 patients have received antibiotic treatment for single episodes of a urinary tract infection.
Conclusions: Earlier reports of a high incidence of concomitant anomalies and male predominance in patients with single-system ectopic ureteroceles could not be verified by our experience. Our current policy for a patient is careful evaluation, individualized therapy, and long-term surveillance.