Abstract

Objective: Retroperitoneal fibrozis (RF) is a disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in the retroperitoneum that generally causes ureteral obstruction. In cases in which obstructive nephropaty is developed, this condition is treated by open, robotic or laparascopic ureterolysis (LU). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of LU and ureteral intraperitonealization procedures which were performed for RF. 

Materials and methods: Between January 2007 and September 2009, 4 bilateral and 1 unilateral LU procedures (a total of 9 ureteral unit) were performed in 5 patients (4 males, 1 female) with a mean age of 57.2±6.1 years in our clinic. Clinical, perioperative and outcome data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Mean operation time was 141 min for unilateral pocedure while 277.5±27.5 (range 140-310) min for unilateral and bilateral procedures. Mean blood loss was 75 mL and 122.5±23.2 (range 100-145) mL for unilateral and bilateral cases, respectively. Mean drain withdrawal time was 2.2±0.8 (range 1-3) days and mean hospitalization time was 2.6±1.1 (range 1-4) days. Ureteral obstruction did not occur in any case during the 14.8±4.2 (range 8-19) months of follow-up. 

Conclusion: Our experiences show that LU can be peformed with low morbidity and high success rates. LU should be primary option in the surgical treatment of RF due to its minimal invasive nature and high efficacy.