Ectopic ureter as a cause of wetting: the role of laparoscopy in its management.

A diagnosis of wetting caused by an ectopic ureter usually can be made from the history because of the characteristic pattern of wetting. Localization of the origin of the ectopic ureter is important in guiding the surgical approach. This is usually not a problem for cases of ectopic ureter arising from a duplex system. However, the single ectopic ureter arising from a small dysplastic and often ectopic kidney may defy a long search. Videolaparoscopy, with its magnifying effect, can confirm the diagnosis, localize the dysplastic kidney and allow its removal using endoscopic equipment.