Double blind-ending ureter: diagnostic challenges and robotic-assisted surgical management—case report

Background: Double blind-ending ureter (DBU) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly involving a duplicated ureter with no connection to the renal pelvis or bladder, making diagnosis difficult. Case Description: A 10-year-old girl presented with recurrent abdominal pain and ultrasound evidence of left hydroureteronephrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction revealed a 30 cm blind-ending ureter. Robotic-assisted excision (Da Vinci Xi) was performed safely, preserving adjacent structures. Histology confirmed a nonfunctional ureteral remnant. Conclusions: DBU is a rare duplication variant. Advanced imaging and robotic surgery are essential for accurate diagnosis and effective, minimally invasive treatment.