Laparoscopic transperitoneal pyelopyelostomy and ureteroureterostomy of retrocaval ureter: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Ureterouretrostomy for Retrocaval Ureter-a Case Report

Retrocaval ureter is a rare developmental anomaly with an incidence of 1 in 1500 births. The inferior vena cava compresses the ureter posteriorly, causing upstream dilatation of the proximal ureter and the kidney. We report a 16-year-old girl who presented with right flank pain, diagnosed as retrocaval ureter with ultrasound, intravenous urogram and CECT, and was treated with laparoscopic transperitoneal ureteroureterostomy. Embryological aspects and laparoscopic technical considerations are highlighted in this case report.

Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site ureterolithotomy and ureteroureterostomy for retrocaval ureter with ureteral calculus: first case report

A 53-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of intermittent right flank pain. Radiological imaging confirmed the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter (RCU) and ureteral calculus. Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) ureterolithotomy and ureteroureterostomy was successfully performed. The operative time was 185 min and the blood loss was approximately 20 ml. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative analgesia was not needed. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. The drain and double-J stent were respectively removed at 1 and 8 weeks postoperatively. At the 3-month follow-up, nuclear scan showed no evidence of obstruction of the right kidney and the patient also remained symptom free. It may be concluded that retroperitoneal LESS repair for RCU is a feasible and safe procedure, which can be considered as a option for the management of RCU even if it is complicated by the presence of a ureteral calculus.