Minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy.

Abstract

We assessed the efficacy of modified technique of retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy for managing ureteral stones. Between December 1999 and March 2002, 31 patients underwent retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy. In most cases only 3 ports (a 10 mm., 2 5 mm. and in a few 2, 3 mm.) were used without any ureteral stent or catheter. The stone was removed from the primary port site, while visualizing retrieval through the 3/5 mm. port using fine laparoscope. Ureterotomy closure was performed by intracorporeal interrupted sutures of 4-zero polyglactin. The 20 males and 11 females had a mean age of 38.5 years. Mean operative time was 67 minutes and mean hospital stay was 2.4 days. The mean analgesic requirement was 42.2 mg. meperidine. Mean followup was 8 months. There were no significant postoperative complications except persistent urine leakage in 2 patients 48 hours after surgery. An internal stent was placed and leakage subsided without any consequences. The modified, minimally invasive technique of retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy is highly effective and efficient without an associated increase in the complication rate.