Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

Background: Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital abnormality due to anomalous development of inferior vena cava that causes right sided hydronephrosis and needs surgical correction. 
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the safety, feasibility and usefulness of Laparoscopic repair of retrocaval ureter and to measure the short-term outcome of the procedure. 
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on twelve (12) patients presenting with right sided hydronephrosis due to retrocaval ureter at the Department of Urology, Shahid Sk. Abu Naser Specialized Hospital, Khulna Medical College Hospital and two other private Hospitals in Khulna city, Khulna, Bangladesh from January 2017 to June 2022. Patients having previous abdominal surgery and sepsis were excluded from the study. Laparoscopic transperitoneal resection of redundant retrocaval ureter segment, anteposition and uretero ureteral or ureteropelvic anastomosis done with a stent. No open conversion done. 
Results: Mean operative time was 120 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 4 (Four) days. Average amount of bleeding was 50ml. Postoperative pain was minimum and analgesic requirement was less. One patient developed postoperative urine leakage which was managed by keeping the drain. All patients (100%) demonstrated a patent anastomosis on postoperative IVU. On USG degree of hydronephrosis decrease significantly. Split renal function and GFR were significantly improved (P <0.005) on renogram. 
Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of retrocaval ureter can be safely and successfully done instead of open procedure due to its good efficacy with minimum morbidity. Development of surgical expertise in Laparoscopy and frequently doing the procedure, may reduce the operative time.