RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Ureterocele is cystic dilation of the terminal part of the ureter located within the bladder of the urethra or both. In the majority of cases, it is accompanied by a double-collector system and affects 6:1 female child patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational, longitudinal, transverse, descriptive, retrospective, and open study. Files of pediatric patients with diagnosed ureterocele from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 2002 were reviewed. Age, sex, symptomatology, type of ureterocele, side effects, and laboratory and image studies were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 40 cases, 50% male, average age 20 months; first clinical manifestation was urinary tract infection in 87.5%. Ectopic type was found more frequently with 62.3% and orthotopic or simple, in 37.5%. First surgical intervention was reimplantation in 80% of ectopic and in 66.7% in orthotopic cases. DISCUSSION: Ureterocele treatment depends to a great degree on status of affected kidney and capacity of functionality of the contralateral kidney. The spectrum of therapeutic modalities range from transureteral incision of ureterocele to nephrectomy and vesical reconstruction. Indication to proceed with endoscopy would be considered only in a patient with intravesical ureterocele with a simple collector system. We prefer to proceed in the majority of cases with ureteral reimplantation and resection of ureterocele.