Bladder dysfunction in children with bilateral single ectopic ureters

Abstract

Background: Single ectopic ureters are a rare malformation in children. Therapy consists of ureteral reimplantation. However, in case of bilateral single ectopic ureters, subsequent malformation of the bladder trigone and bladder neck may result in additional voiding dysfunction, and ureteral reimplantation alone may not solve the urologic problems. Methods: The authors report their experience with 2 girls, in whom bilateral single ectopic ureters were treated by ureteral reimplantation in early childhood and who did not gain adequate bladder control during following years. Results: Videourodynamic evaluation was done in both girls. No bladder overactivity was found during the urodynamic studies. However, cystography showed a widely open bladder neck during filling with no sufficient bladder neck closure shown by urethral pressure profile studies. When blocking the bladder outlet by balloon catheters, adequate bladder filling volume was achieved. Incontinence was cured by implantation of an AMS 800 artificial sphincter system in a 10-year-old girl. A 7-year-old girl was regarded to be too young for sphincter implantation and is waiting for surgery within the next years. Conclusion: Insufficient development of trigone and bladder neck with subsequent urinary incontinence has to be kept in mind when deciding on surgical procedures in children with bilateral single ectopic ureters. J Pediatr Surg 37:E15. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.