Agenesis of ureter

This code describes the congenital absence or complete failure of formation of one or both ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This anomaly can occur in isolation or be associated with other genitourinary malformations, such as renal agenesis. It results from a developmental defect during embryogenesis.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates the congenital absence of a ureter, confirmed by imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. This diagnosis is often made prenatally or in infancy due to associated renal issues or urinary tract infections. It applies to cases where the ureter never formed, as opposed to being obstructed or atrophied after formation.

• Differentiate from ureteral atresia or hypoplasia, which involve incomplete development rather than complete absence.
• Always look for documentation of laterality (e.g., unilateral, bilateral) and code accordingly if more specific codes are available for laterality.
• Consider coding any associated renal anomalies (e.g., renal agenesis, renal hypoplasia) as secondary diagnoses.