Ureteral Disorders

Your kidneys make urine by filtering wastes and extra water from your blood. The urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder in two thin tubes called ureters.

The ureters are about 8 to 10 inches long. Muscles in the ureter walls tighten and relax to force urine down and away from the kidneys. Small amounts of urine flow from the ureters into the bladder about every 10 to 15 seconds.

Sometimes the ureters can become blocked or injured. This can block the flow of urine to the bladder. If urine stands still or backs up the ureter, you may get a urinary tract infections.

Doctors diagnose problems with the ureters using different tests. These include urine tests, x-rays, and examination of the ureter with a scope called a cystoscope. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. It may include medicines and, in severe cases, surgery. (NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Ureter Urothelial Carcinoma

A carcinoma that arises from the transitional epithelium of the ureter. It is associated with tobacco use and usually presents with…

Ureter Small Cell Carcinoma

A rare carcinoma that arises from the ureter. It is characterized by the presence of small neuroendocrine cells. The prognosis…

Ureter Obstruction

Blockage of the normal flow of urine in the ureter.

Ureter Neoplasm

Cancer or tumors of the URETER. Hematuria, which occurs in 75% of patients with ureteral carcinoma, is the most common presenting…

Ureter Leiomyoma

A benign smooth muscle neoplasm arising from the ureter. It is characterized by the presence of spindle cells with cigar-shaped nuclei, interlacing…

Ureter Carcinoma

A carcinoma of the ureter. The majority of ureter carcinomas are transitional cell and less frequently squamous cell carcinomas or…