Retrocaval Ureter: A Rare Congenital Anomaly

Abstract

Objective: Described in this study is surgery to treat retrocaval ureter, a rare congenital anomaly, and relevant literature findings.Methods: Data on patients who underwent surgery in the clinic between January 2003 and January 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Three patients who were operated on for retrocaval ureter were included in the study. Age, sex, laterality, symptoms, and degree of hydronephrosis were analyzed. Open ureteroureterostomy with double J stent insertion was performed on all 3 patients. Double J stents were removed after 3 weeks and patients were evaluated at postoperative 3 months.Results: Mean age of patients was 17.66 years (range: 13-24 years). Two patients were male, 1 was female. All cases had right-sided retrocaval ureter. Proximal ureteral dilatation and reverse J images were seen on intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) of all patients before surgery. On postoperative third month evaluation, ureteral drainage was normal, proximal ureteral dilatation had regressed and patients were asymptomatic. Conclusion:Open surgery for retrocaval ureter is effective and preferred treatment modality with high success rate.