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Ureteral Disorders
Summary
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
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Ureteral Diseases National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Ureteral Neoplasms National Institutes of Health
Genetics
- Congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
Diagnosis and Tests
- Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Imaging of the Urinary Tract National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) National Library of Medicine
Specifics
- General Information about Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter National Cancer Institute
- Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Children
- Hydronephrosis in Newborns National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
- Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) Nemours Foundation
Patient Handouts
- Injury – kidney and ureter Medical Encyclopedia
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis Medical Encyclopedia
- Ureteral reimplantation surgery – children Medical Encyclopedia
- Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy Medical Encyclopedia
- Ureterocele Medical Encyclopedia
Reference Desk
- Kidneys and Urinary Tract (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
Find an Expert
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Journal Articles
Encyclopedia
- UPJ obstruction Medical Encyclopedia
Start Here
- Urinary Tract and How It Works National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases