Ureteral stricture: Causing and Treatment

Last updated: May 18, 2026

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Ureteral stricture is a condition that spin around my urology clinic. Most of patients have been sent from the other clinics by various causes of etiology, some are symptomatic, and some are not. This kind of condition need a carefully history taking as well as physical examination along with a proper imaging investigation before discussion of the root cause and treatment options to the patients. Today we are going to talk about this problem, ureteral stricture.

• Urology center Bangkok hospital Thailand Booking online 02-310-3009 bhquro@bdms.co.th
• Samitivej Sriracha hospital Chonburi 088-022-1445

Causing of ureteral stricture

1. Malignancy – Urinary tract cancer or cervical cancer
2. Presence or history of ureteral stone
3. History of radiation
4. Ischemia or trauma caused by surgical dissection
5. Periureteral fibrosis caused by abdominal aortic aneurysm or endometriosis
6. History of endoscopic surgery
7. Renal ablation injury
8. Infection – Tuberculosis
9. Unknown condition

2 essential questions that we must keep in mind when dealing with ureteral stricture.

• Can we preserve the kidney function?
• Is there any malignancy-related problem?

After we make a provisional diagnosis, then we will choose the proper investigation to clarify our assumption. The treatment options will vary from observation, endoscopic procedure till surgical exploration depend on the following factors

1. What is the root cause?
2. Is it symptomatic?
3. Is there any kidney function disturbance from ureteral stricture?

Unfortunately, ureteral stricture disease most of it considered as a life-long issue so the principle of treatment will do the best by not harming patient as much as we can and keep maintain their quality of life. Please talk to your trusted urologist or you can leave a message to me.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ureteral Stricture

What causes ureteral stricture?

Ureteral stricture can result from many causes including malignancy (urinary tract or cervical cancer), history of ureteral stones, prior radiation therapy, surgical trauma or ischemia, periureteral fibrosis from conditions like endometriosis or aortic aneurysm, history of endoscopic surgery, renal ablation injury, infections such as tuberculosis, or in some cases no identifiable cause. A thorough history, physical examination, and imaging workup are essential to identify the underlying cause.

How is ureteral stricture treated?

Treatment depends on the root cause, whether the patient is symptomatic, and whether kidney function is affected. Options range from observation and monitoring, to minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, to open or robotic surgical reconstruction. Since ureteral stricture is often a lifelong condition, the guiding principle is to minimize harm while preserving kidney function and maintaining the patient’s quality of life.

What are the two most important questions when evaluating ureteral stricture?

The two key clinical questions are: (1) Can we preserve kidney function? and (2) Is there any underlying malignancy? These two questions guide the urgency and nature of intervention. If kidney function is at risk or malignancy is suspected, more aggressive evaluation and treatment planning is required.

If you have been diagnosed with or suspected of having ureteral stricture, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.