Comparison of the efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic and open surgery for the correction of retrocaval ureter

Figures & data

Figure 1 CTU revealed hydronephrosis and dilatation of the right proximal ureter.

Note: The ureter was found to be coursing medially posterior to the IVC.
Abbreviations: CTU, computed tomography urography; IVC, inferior vena cava.

Figure 2 Port placement in retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery in our center.

Figure 3 Procedures of retroperitoneal laparoscopy.

Notes: (A, B) Anatomic relationship between vena cava and ureter under retroperitoneal laparoscopy. (C) Transection of the distal dilated part of the renal pelvis and the preservation of the retrocaval segment. (D) A double-J stent was laparoscopically inserted in an antegrade manner. (E) The anterior wall of the ureter was sutured discontinuously. (F) The opposite side was sutured continuously.

Table 1 Clinical data of the patients

Parameter	Open surgery	Retroperitoneal laparoscopy	P-value
Age (year) (range)	34.4±9.2 (17–40)	30.4±5.6 (32–36)	<0.05
Gender (n)	9	6
Male	7	5
Female	2	1
Operative time (min)	95.6±22.0	112.0±42.1	<0.05
Intraoperative blood loss (mL)	106.7±32.2	50.0±17.0	<0.05
Postoperative urine leakage	0/9	1/5	<0.05
Hospital stay (day)	15.3±1.2	7.4±1.1	<0.05
Recovery time (day)	52.8±1.3	23.6±2.4	<0.05

Note: Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.