Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty of retrocaval ureter: Single surgeon experience and review of literature

Introduction: Retrocaval ureter (RCU) is a rare congenital abnormality, secondary to anomalous development of inferior vena cava (IVC) presenting as ipsilateral obstruction needing surgical intervention. The aim of this article is to present surgical techniques and outcome of transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty in patients with RCU treated by a single surgeon at a tertiary care center and with review of literature. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, institutional review board approved chart review of patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty for RCU at our unit between January 2010 and December 2020. A total of 10 patients were identified. Preoperative evaluation involved a computed tomography-intravenous urography in addition to the conventional evaluation. All the patients underwent dismembered transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty over a Double J stent. Data analyzed included the demographic profile, operative time difficulty if any, postoperative, intraoperative complications and functional outcome. Results: All cases were completed laparoscopically and no open conversion was required. Average operating time was 96.6 minutes +/- 8.16. Average blood loss was 71 +/- 14.49 mL with an analgesia requirement of 115 +/- 33.74 mg. One patient developed postoperative urinary leak and responded to percutaneous nephrostomy drainage. Patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with a serial ultrasound and a follow-up diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid renal scan at 3 months to rule out any anastomotic site obstruction. Conclusion: Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty for RCU was associated with minimal morbidity and good outcomes.

Automated summary

This study reviewed the surgical techniques and outcomes of laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty in 10 patients with RCU. The results showed that the surgery was completed laparoscopically without requiring open conversion, with minimal postoperative complications and good prognosis.