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Intermediate Technical IVT

ectopic ureter

Congenital anomaly where the ureter inserts outside the normal trigonal area of the bladder.

Full Definition

An ectopic ureter is a congenital malformation where the ureteral orifice opens outside the normal location within the bladder trigone. In females, ectopic insertion sites may include the urethra, vagina, or cervix, often resulting in continuous urinary incontinence. In males, ectopic ureters typically insert into the posterior urethra, seminal vesicles, or vas deferens. This anomaly is frequently associated with upper pole moiety in duplicated collecting systems and may require surgical reimplantation or heminephrectomy depending on associated renal dysplasia.

Usage

Usage note: Specify insertion site and gender; note association with duplication anomalies.

In Context

  • "MRI confirmed ectopic ureter inserting into the vaginal wall with associated upper pole dysplasia." — Imaging interpretation
  • "Continuous incontinence in the toilet-trained girl prompted evaluation for ectopic ureter." — Clinical assessment note

Also known as

malpositioned ureter

Contrasted with

orthotopic ureter

Don't confuse with

ureteral stricture ureterocele

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