Laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy: initial experience and review of literature.

PURPOSE To evaluate the place of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the management of ureteral calculi through an initial experience and review of previously reported cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy was attempted in six patients (five men and one woman) with an age of 31 to 56 years (mean 41.5 years) who had large and impacted stones in the upper ureter. The stone size ranged from 18 to 40 mm (mean 25.7 mm). The retroperitoneal route was used in all cases. RESULTS The stone was removed in all but one case. The operative time ranged from 120 to 180 minutes (mean 160 minutes). No intraoperative complications were encountered. Postoperative complications included prolonged urinary leak in one patient. On follow-up, all patients were stone free with decompression of the upper urinary tract. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is safe and effective and should be performed each time a ureterolithotomy is indicated.