Ectopic ureterocele: clinical application of classification based on renal unit jeopardy.
OBJECTIVE
The Churchill classification system grades the ectopic ureterocele based on the number of renal units in jeopardy. We apply this system to our experience to help predict response to initial surgical intervention.


METHODS
All cases of ectopic ureterocele diagnosed at our institution between 1990 and 2000 were retrospectively reviewed and categorized using the Churchill classification system. Initial surgical procedure and subsequent outcomes were analyzed.


RESULTS
A total of 53 patients were identified, of whom 42% had only upper pole involvement (grade I), 40% ipsilateral upper and lower pole involvement (grade II) and 19% bilateral renal involvement (grade III). Endoscopic incision was definitive in 56% of grade I, 20% of grade II and no grade III ureteroceles. An upper tract approach was definitive in 85% of grade I, 45% of grade II and no grade III ureteroceles. An initial lower tract procedure was successful in 80% of grade II and 100% of grade III ureteroceles. Overall the initial surgical procedure was definitive in 73% of grade I, 48% of grade II and 20% of grade III ureteroceles.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm the findings of Churchill. In this series the majority of grade I ureteroceles were successfully managed with an upper tract procedure. However, high grade ureteroceles were more likely to require a secondary operation unless an initial lower tract reconstruction was performed.
DeFoor
William
W
Division of Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA.
Minevich
Eugene
E
Tackett
Leslie
L
Yasar
Uzay
U
Wacksman
Jeffrey
J
Sheldon
Curtis
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000150:complications; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014518:Ureterocele / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures