Rare case of carcinoma in situ originated in right retrocaval ureter successfully managed with laparoscopic procedure

Abstract

Introduction A retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by the persistence of the posterior subcardinal vein on the right, which causes the proximal ureter to deviate medially behind the inferior vena cava. The presence of retrocaval ureter is usually found because of the development of progressive hydronephrosis, but many cases are clinically silent. In addition, an urothelial malignancy associated with retrocaval ureter is very rare. Case presentation Herein we report a very rare case of a 57‐year‐old male with retrocaval ureter and carcinoma in situ diagnosed by ureteroscopy. In spite of strong adhesion in the area of the ureter behind the inferior vena cava, dissection was successfully managed by a laparoscopic procedure after cutting the ureter and separating it into two segments. Conclusion Early histopathological diagnosis and radical laparoscopic surgery based on the results of ureteroscopy may lead to a good outcome, even in retrocaval ureter cases with a carcinoma in situ.

Keywords

• carcinoma in situ
• hydronephrosis
• laparoscopic surgery
• retrocaval ureter
• ureteroscopy