Q62: Congenital obstructive defects of renal pelvis and congenital malformations of ureter

Q62.1: Atresia and stenosis of ureter

If tissue fails to develop properly, defects can occur. The defect originates while developing in the womb.

Each kidney is made up of renal tissue and a renal pelvis. The renal tissue makes up the urine. The urine gathers in the renal pelvis. The ureter is a thin, muscular tube in the abdomen. There is usually one ureter on each side. The urine flows from the kidney, via the ureter, to the bladder.

A narrowed or blocked ureter means urine cannot drain properly. The ureter or the renal pelvis then widens at the point where it is constricted. Urine can then back up into your kidney. Renal tissue may be damaged as a result.

When ureters are constricted or sealed, pathogens may cause the urinary tract to get inflamed more frequently, for example. The urinary passages include the ureters, bladder and urethra. An inflamed urinary tract may cause you pain, among other things, when urinating. You then also have to pass urine more often.