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.
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?
![](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/images/brand-images/urology.jpg?h=533&iar=0&w=800)
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.
![](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/images/brand-images/urology.jpg?h=533&iar=0&w=800)
Meet the Providers Who Treat Megaureter
Departments that Treat Megaureter
![Baby crawling on exam table](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/departments/urology/urology_hero-image.jpg)
Urology
At Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., our pediatric urologists provide comprehensive care for disorders affecting reproductive and urinary organs.