Introduction to Ureteroceles: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Initial Management

The diagnosis and treatment of ureteroceles continue to evolve. Not only are the majority of patients diagnosed prenatally, but a significant proportion of cases can be dealt with in a minimally invasive, endoscopic fashion. Although a single treatment strategy for all ureteroceles is an unrealistic expectation, more valuable to the practicing urologist is an understanding of the variable anatomy and presentation of this entity and an appreciation for the breadth of treatment options at his or her disposal. This, the first of our two reviews on ureteroceles, provides the necessary background.   This review contains 10 figures, 6 tables and 35 references Key words: bladder trigone, cecoureterocele, ectopic ureterocele, extravesical ureterocele, intravesical ureterocele, lower tract approach, obstructed ureterocele, reflux, transurethral incision, transurethral puncture, upper tract approach, ureterocele, ureterocele algorithm