Ureteral Stricture Symptoms and Diagnosis

April 15, 2025

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Kevin G. Chan, M.D., clinical professor, division of urology and urologic oncology, Department of Surgery, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte

A ureteral stricture is a narrowing of the ureter — the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Ureteral strictures may cause obstruction that may lead to kidney damage.

Some people with ureteral strictures have no symptoms, while others may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The severity of the symptoms doesn't always indicate how serious the ureteral stricture is.

Ureteral Stricture Symptoms

The symptoms of ureteral stricture vary from person to person. However, many patients experience signs and symptoms, including:

• Pain in the back or upper abdomen (which may get worse after drinking fluids, in some cases)
• Urinary tract infections, sometimes with a fever
• Kidney stones
• Hydronephrosis, a condition where the kidney stretches because urine pools in the pelvic kidney area (which may cause pain or discomfort)
• Nausea
• Blood in the urine

How Is Ureteral Stricture Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a ureteral stricture usually involves laboratory tests and imaging tests. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive view of the size, location and extent of the stricture.

Tests used to diagnose a ureteral stricture may include those listed below.

Nuclear medicine renal scan: This scan indicates how well the kidney is functioning by placing a tracer into the blood and following that tracer as it moves through the kidney and into the ureter.

Antegrade nephrostogram: This test involves placing a small tube through the skin of the back and into the kidney, then placing a contrast dye into the kidney. Doctors then take images that use the dye to show where the ureter narrows and if urine drains from the kidney.

Retrograde pyelogram: For this a procedure, a small camera is placed through the urethra and into the bladder in order to inject contrast dye. This allows doctors to highlight the ureteral anatomy.

Computed tomography (CT) urogram: This imaging test produces detailed anatomic information about the ureter and surrounding structures.

Urine tests: Urinalysis and urine cultures check for bacteria, blood and other substances in the urine.

Blood tests: These may include serum electrolytes with blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine tests.