Ureterocele: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ureterocele?
A urologist, a doctor who specializes in the urinary system, usually treats a ureterocele. A family doctor or pediatrician may find the problem first and then refer the patient to a urologist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A ureterocele is a small pouch or swelling at the bottom of one of the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder. It forms when the end of the tube does not open the way it should and bulges into the bladder like a small balloon. Urine can back up behind the swelling, causing the kidney or the tube to swell.
Symptoms
Some people have no symptoms, especially if the problem is mild. When symptoms do happen, they often come from a urinary tract infection, with burning when passing urine, needing to go often, belly or back pain, and fever. Other signs are blood in the urine or a lump in the belly from a swollen kidney.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly why a ureterocele forms. It happens before birth, when the tube from the kidney does not develop normally, sometimes along with a duplicated collecting system, meaning the kidney has two tubes instead of one. It is more common in girls and in white children, and most cases are found in infants and young children.
How doctors diagnose it
Many ureteroceles are seen on an ultrasound before a baby is born. After birth, doctors may use scans of the bladder and kidneys to confirm the problem and check whether urine is flowing backward toward the kidney.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the ureterocele, whether the kidney is harmed, and whether infections keep happening. Small ones that cause no problems may only need regular checkups. When treatment is needed, a surgeon can often make a tiny cut in the pouch so urine can drain, though some people need a bigger operation and more than one procedure.
When to see a doctor
Call a doctor for a fever with no clear cause, pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, or pain in the side or belly. Anyone with a ureterocele should keep all follow-up visits, even if they feel fine.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can order an ultrasound, treat simple infections, and watch a small ureterocele over time.
Common questions
Is a ureterocele serious?
It can be, but not always. Some ureteroceles never cause trouble, while others lead to infections or kidney swelling. A doctor can tell how serious it is with scans and regular checkups.
Can a ureterocele go away on its own?
Small ones sometimes shrink or cause no problems over time. Larger ones usually need a procedure to let urine drain. Each case is different, so doctors watch each patient closely.
Does a ureterocele always need surgery?
No. If there are no infections and the kidney is working well, a doctor may only do regular checkups. Surgery is saved for cases where the pouch blocks urine or keeps causing infections.
Can adults have a ureterocele?
Yes. Some adults have a small ureterocele that was never found in childhood. It is often discovered by accident during scans done for other reasons.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
