Ureters are the two funnel-shaped tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A ureter that does not connect properly to the bladder and drains somewhere outside of the bladder is called an ectopic ureter.In boys the ectopic ureter usually drains into the urethra closer to the prostate. Hydronephrosis: When the ectopic ureter connects outside the bladder, the insertion is usually narrow, creating a level of obstruction. 2  The urine that is draining from the kidneys backs up and causes the kidney and ureter to dilate (hydronephrosis).