Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy

Objective: To investigate the technical detail of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy and evaluate its clinical effect.Methods: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy were conducted in 30 cases of unilateral urinary calculi.Stones located in renal pelvis in 4 cases and in upper ureter in 26 cases.Six cases received unsuccessful extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.Results: All operations were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery.The operation time was 40-120 min.The intraoperative blood loss was 10-40 ml.Postoperative hospital stay was 5-9 days.Urine leakage occurred in one patient.The double J stent tube was removed after four weeks.With 1-18 months follow-up,hydronephrosis were alleviated and no ureteral stenosis occurred in all cases.Conclusions: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for treatment of stones in renal pelvis and in upper ureter.It can be an alternative method for treatment of upper ureteral stones if the stone is large or impacted for a long time.