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Condition

Pediatric Megaureter

Key Points About Megaureter in Children

  • A megaureter is a ureter that is much wider than normal. A ureter that is wider than 3/8 inch is a megaureter.
  • It occurs when a baby is growing in the uterus.
  • Often it is diagnosed by ultrasound while a woman is still pregnant. Or your child may also have imaging tests to look at the urinary tract.
  • It may not drain urine normally. Urine may back up into the kidneys. This can lead to infections and kidney damage.
  • Your child may need to take antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections. In some cases, the megaureter will go back to normal on its own over time. If there is a blockage of the urinary tract, your child may need surgery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is megaureter in children?

What causes a megaureter in a child?

What are the symptoms of megaureter in a child?

How is megaureter diagnosed in a child?

How is megaureter treated in a child?

What are possible complications of megaureter in a child?

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Urology Treatment at Children's National Hospital

The Division of Urology at Children's National Hospital offers expert care and advanced diagnostic testing in a family-centered environment. Discover more about the treatment we offer.

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PATIENT STORY

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Providers Who Treat Megaureter

    Departments that Treat Megaureter

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    Urology

    At Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., our pediatric urologists provide comprehensive care for disorders affecting reproductive and urinary organs.