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

Abstract

We report two cases of retrocaval ureter that were successfully treated by a laparoscopic transperitoneal approach. Presentation of both these cases was with flank pain. Ureteroureterostomy using an intracorporeal suture technique was performed for one, and pyelopyelostomy for the other case. Operative time was 120 min and 110 min, respectively. Pyelopyelostomy was technically easier to perform than ureteroureterostomy that required an extra fourth port insertion to facilitate dissection. With increasing experience with the intracorporeal suturing laparoscopic technique of either pyelopyelostomy or ureteroureterostomy should be the first choice for retrocaval ureter.

Keywords

• Retrocaval ureter
• laparoscopy
• pyelopyelostomy
• ureteroureterostomy