Objectives: To report our techniques and experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (LUUS) for retrocaval ureter.
Methods: Between January 2004 and September 2008, 7 male patients underwent retroperitoneal LUUS. A 3-port, balloon-dissecting, retroperitoneal approach was used. Follow-up studies were performed with intravenous urography and renal ultrasonography.
Results: All operations were completed laparoscopically, and no open conversions were required. The mean operating time was 128.6 minutes (range 97-189) and the mean anastomosis time was 36 minutes, for all cases. The mean blood loss was 20 mL (range 15-50). None of the patients required blood transfusion. No intraoperative complications occurred. Hydronephrosis in all patients was decreased substantially after surgery.
Conclusions: Our results have demonstrated that retroperitoneal LUUS is an excellent minimally invasive treatment option for a retrocaval ureter that can be accomplished reasonably quickly and safely.