Minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy

Purpose: We assessed the efficacy of modified technique of retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy for managing ureteral stones. Materials and Methods: 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, Results: 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. Conclusions: The modified, minimally invasive technique of retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy is highly effective and efficient without an associated increase in the complication rate.