What are symptoms and complications of duplex kidney (duplicated ureters)?

What are symptoms and complications of duplex kidney (duplicated ureters)?

As long as your duplicated ureters drain normally into your bladder they should not cause any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, it is usually in the case of complete duplicated ureters.

A duplex kidney can occur with other abnormalities of your urinary system. One common abnormality is an ureterocele, which occurs when the end of the ureter does not develop properly, and urine flow is obstructed. This results in a balloon-like swelling as urine builds up at the point where the ureter and bladder connect. In addition, urine can reflux back toward the kidney through the second ureter, which often has a weak valve because it joins the bladder in an abnormal location.

A number of symptoms can occur when one of the ureters is ectopic, which means it drains to somewhere other than the bladder. Symptoms of an ectopic ureter include:

• Hydronephrosis: An ectopic ureter is usually narrower than it should be, leading to an obstruction in the flow of your urine. Your urine gets backed up and causes the kidney and ureter to swell.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Poor drainage makes it easier for bacteria to enter urine and travel to your bladder. UTIs result in painful urination.
• Vesicoureteral reflux: Urine backs up and flows in the wrong direction (up toward the kidney instead of down toward the bladder). It is important for a provider to grade the reflux, as a child may be able to outgrow a lower grade of reflux but may need more extensive treatment if the reflux is a higher grade. Kidney infections or renal scarring can result from reflux.
• Incontinence (inability to control urination): In boys, this symptom may not be present, however, you may see scrotal swelling or UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) may occur. In girls, rather than completely losing bladder control, there is a dampness due to a steady leakage.