title: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic reconstruction for retrocaval ureter: experience and literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe surgical techniques and experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloureterostomy in five cases of retrocaval ureter (RU). We also report the laparoscopic approach reconstruction for RU from peer-reviewed publications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients with RU underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloureterostomy. Nuclear renography, intravenous urography (IVU), and ultrasonography follow-up was performed postoperatively. Science Citation Index searches were conducted to identify laparoscopic reconstruction for RU outcomes. Studies published after 1994 were included in the analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Operations were completed successfully and without complications in five patients. The mean operative time was 90.2 ± 34.4 minutes. The mean time needed to insert the Double-J stent and reanastomosis was 51.2 ± 11.4 minutes. Blood loss was minimal. Over a follow-up of 12 to 37 months, hydronephrosis was found to decrease substantially. There were 24 peer-reviewed studies covering a total of 62 patients suitable for inclusion in our final analysis. The most common method for reconstruction of the ureter was ureteroureterostomy, followed by pyeloureterostomy and pyelopyelotomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retroperitoneal laparoscopy for RU is a safe and effective procedure that should be considered as a first-line treatment for patients with this anatomic anomaly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nan Jing, China.
authors.forename: Shuqiu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Quan
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Xiangnong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xiaowen
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000601:surgery*; D014513:Ureter / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014567:Urography; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult