ureteric stenosis

Ureteric stenosis is a congenital or acquired narrowing of the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. This condition, along with other urinary tract obstructions, can impede urine flow, leading to urine backup into the kidneys (hydronephrosis).12

Pathology of Ureteric Stenosis

• Congenital: This type is present at birth and can involve valvelike folds or partitions within the ureter's lining.2
• Acquired: Stenosis can develop later in life due to factors like scarring from surrounding tissue (fibrosis) or, less commonly, tumors.3

Consequences

When the ureter is narrowed, urine can accumulate in the renal pelvis and calyces, causing distension and pressure on the kidney's blood supply. This can lead to kidney tissue degeneration, infection, and eventually, impaired kidney function or failure if left untreated. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, excretion urography, ultrasound, and MRI, are used to identify the obstruction. Treatment often requires surgical correction.241