proximal ureter

The proximal ureter is the uppermost segment of the ureter, running from the renal pelvis to the crossing of the common iliac artery bifurcation. It represents the initial portion of the ureter's descent from the kidney toward the bladder.

The proximal ureter is situated in the retroperitoneal space of the abdomen. It descends from the renal pelvis along the medial border of the psoas major muscle, traveling downward toward the pelvic brim where it crosses the common iliac vessels.

The proximal ureter conducts urine from the renal pelvis downward through peristaltic contractions. It serves as the first segment of the ureteral pathway connecting the kidney collecting system to the bladder, facilitating continuous urine drainage from the kidney.

The proximal ureter may be involved in conditions such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction, hydronephrosis, ureteral calculi, or strictures. Any suspected abnormality in this region warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional using appropriate diagnostic methods.

The proximal ureter is assessed using imaging modalities including renal ultrasound, CT urography, intravenous pyelography, and MRI urography. These studies help evaluate ureteral diameter, identify obstructions, and characterize the anatomy from the renal pelvis downward.