Retroperitoneoscopic treatment of retrocaval ureter

Abstract

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly, resulting from an abnormal development of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Sometimes it produces obstruction because of kinking at the level of its retrocaval course. In patients suffering from recurrent infection, obstruction, and flank pain, surgical treatment is indicated. A procedure similar to a dismembered pyeloplasty is utilized to correct this anomaly. It can be approached by a transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach but, as for a pyeloureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction, we favor the retroperitoneal one ( Fig. 92.1). © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2008.