Congenital primary megaureter, obstructed form

Congenital primary megaureter (obstructed form) is a condition present at birth where one or both ureters — the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder — are abnormally wide (dilated). In the obstructed form, there is a blockage or narrowing at the point where the ureter connects to the bladder (the ureterovesical junction). This blockage prevents urine from flowing freely into the bladder, causing it to back up and stretch the ureter. Over time, if untreated, this backup of urine can put pressure on the kidney and potentially damage it, a condition called hydronephrosis. This condition is often detected before birth during routine prenatal ultrasound, which may show a swollen ureter or kidney. After birth, babies may develop urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine. Some children have no symptoms at all and the condition is found incidentally. The severity varies widely — some cases resolve on their own as the child grows, while others require surgical correction. Treatment depends on the degree of obstruction and whether kidney function is affected. Mild cases may be monitored with regular imaging and kidney function tests. More severe cases, especially those causing recurrent infections or declining kidney function, typically require surgery called ureteral reimplantation, where the narrowed segment is removed and the ureter is reconnected to the bladder. The outlook is generally good when the condition is identified and managed early.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Is my child's megaureter on one side or both sides, and how severe is the obstruction?,How is my child's kidney function right now, and is there any damage?,Is there a chance this will resolve on its own, or will surgery likely be needed?,Should my child be on preventive antibiotics, and for how long?,How often will imaging and follow-up tests be needed?,What signs should prompt me to bring my child to the emergency room?,What are the long-term risks for kidney health, and will my child need monitoring into adulthood?

Common questions about Congenital primary megaureter, obstructed form