Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for impacted upper ureteric calculi

Objectives To assess the feasibility and optimize surgical skills of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the treatment of impacted upper ureteric calculi.Methods From January 2008 to June 2011,43 patients with impacted upper ureteric calculi underwent standard retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.All patients were followed-up for 12 months.Results The stone was successfully removed in 41 cases,the stone-free rate was 95.35％ (41/43).Open surgery was converted in one case for bad tissue adhesions.One patient was cured by ESWL after the stone was pushed back.The mean operation duration is 65.7 minutes,the mean intraoperative blood loss is 31.2 ml and prolonged urinary leakage was occurred in 1 case.No ureteral stricture was found.Conclusions Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a safe and reliable minimally invasive procedure for impacted upper ureteral calculi. Key words: Ureteral calculi;  Surgical Procedures;  Laparoscopy