Laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy for large, impacted calculi in upper and mid ureter

Abstract

Background: Urolithiasis is a common recurrent condition in which the stones are formed within the urinary tract and lead to symptoms when they cause obstruction in the renalpelvicalyceal system, ureters, bladder and the urethra.Most cases of urolithiasis can be managed with non-invasive strategies, however, urolithiasis associated with infections, obstructions, and renal failure may require interventional measures such as ureteroscopy (URS), Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Although open surgeries arealmost obsolete in urological centers, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU) is required in the special group of patientsand also as a salvage procedure for failed URS &/or SWL. It is also widely used as a primary procedure for large stones at centers that do not have access to URS and SWL. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy, safety, and complication rates of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the treatment of large, impacted proximal, and mid ureteric calculi. Methodology: Thirty patients who underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy between February 2010 to May 2012 were enrolled in the study.Proximal and mid ureteric stones were removed retroperitoneally.