Anatomical-Clinical Aspects of the Retrocaval Ureter: Report of 4 Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

<i>Introduction:</i> Retrocaval ureter (RCU) is a birth defect, characterized by a spiral path of the ureter around the inferior vena cava. It is an abnormal in the development of the inferior vena cava, which can lead to ureteral obstruction. The aim of this study was to report 4 cases of RCU with a literature review. <i>Patients and method: </i>This was a retrospective, descriptive study in two department of urology including patients followed up and undergone a surgery for a RCU, from January 2016 to December 2021 in two tertiary hospitals of Dakar. We used radiological classification to describe the anatomical and clinical features.<i> Results: </i>Four adult patients suffering from RCU were diagnosed and treated over a 6-year period of time. Their mean age was 39 years (36 and 44 years). There were as many men as women. Low back pain was the most common sign. The Uro-CT scan showed a type I of RCU in 3 patients. For all of them, we performed an open surgical procedure to unhook the ureter followed by an uretero-ureteral anastomosis on a JJ stend. The portion of the ureter in retro cave atresic position was resected. The postoperative follow-up was simple.<i> Conclusion: </i>Retrocaval ureter is a very rare birth defect for which the right incidence is not known because of the clinical latency. Although classical surgery leads to positive outcomes, the minimally invasive approach is very promising.