Question: I am 55 years old, and I have been diagnosed with two ureteroceles — a large one on the left tube to the bladder and a smaller one on the right. I was sent to a urologist because my urine test showed signs of microscopic bleeding. I also had occasional mild discomfort in my left bladder area. In January, I had lithotripsy to pulverize a 5-mm kidney stone. I am due to return for a checkup to decide what to do with the ureteroceles. I was told that doctors would make a u-shape cut/incision to correct it. Are there any complications from having this done such as incontinence? Is there any reason to have the surgery at all?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Blood in your urine is not normal. Ureteroceles are not expected to cause blood in your urine unless they are complicated by irritation or infection, or they have become enlarged and obstruct urine outflow from the kidney. The large majority of ureteroceles (out-pouching of the ureter into the bladder) are mild and asymptomatic and do not require intervention. The presence of a ureterocele within the bladder may enhance kidney stone formation, and correction may be advisable to reduce the risk of recurring stones that may not pass easily. Correction of ureteroceles is not often done unless you have complicating conditions (such as kidney stones) or the drainage from the ureter is blocked. This surgery is usually done by minimally invasive techniques using a scope, and incontinence is not expected.