Management of a rare symptomatic retrocaval ureter: a case report with review of literature.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital vascular anomaly with an incidence of 0.13%, leading to the passage of the right ureter behind the inferior vena cava and then turning around it to attain its lateral position. The condition is usually associated with obstruction in the right kidney and proximal ureter leading to symptoms like dull aching pain in the flanks, recurrent episodes of urinary tract infections, and recurrent stone formation. The patient presented with recurrent episodes of burning micturition and pain in the right flank for the past 6 months. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography kidney-ureter-bladder was done to diagnose the condition. The patient was managed by open pelviureteric anastomosis lateral to the inferior vena cava, thus eliminating the obstruction on the ureter. The patient has had an uneventful postoperative follow-up. Retrocaval ureter is a rare condition and should be clinically suspected in cases of hydronephrosis where other causes have been ruled out. Different approaches can be used to correct the anomaly. In this case report, an open transperitoneal intraabdominal approach has been used.

Retrocaval Ureter With Ureteric Stones: A Case Report.

The retrocaval ureter is an uncommon anomaly where the ureter passes behind the inferior vena cava. Open surgery had been the gold standard for treatment. We are presenting a case of the retrocaval ureter with ureteral calculi, which was effectively managed by open surgery. A 27-year-old male presented with a nine-month history of flank pain. He had no history of chronic illnesses. Physical examinations and laboratory findings were within normal. A computed tomography (CT) scan was done to confirm the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter with ureteral stones. The subcostal incision was made. Then, the proximal and lower ureter was transected at the point where it went retrocaval. The stones were extracted; then, watertight anastomosis was done. Ultrasound used for the follow-up of the patient for six months showed no hydronephrosis. Retrocaval ureteral may have no symptoms or be linked to nonspecific symptoms. The diagnosis of the retrocaval ureter is frequently delayed. Surgical management is utilized in the majority of cases.

The retrocaval ureter - A rare developmental cause for urinary tract obstruction.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly with few reported cases worldwide. In this case report, we describe a clinical presentation that demonstrates the stereotypical imaging features of a retrocaval ureter on ultrasound, computed tomography and nuclear imaging studies in a 38-year-old male patient who fits the classic reported patient demographics.

Retrocaval Ureter as a Rare Cause of Hydroureteronephrosis: A Case Report.

Retrocaval ureter (RCU), also known as pre-ureteral vena cava or circumcaval ureter, is a rare congenital anomaly caused by inferior vena cava (IVC) dysgenesis, leading to the right ureter coursing behind the IVC. RCU results in obstructive proximal hydroureteronephrosis, remaining asymptomatic until the third decade when hydronephrosis develops. Diagnosis relies on imaging modalities like intravenous urography (IVU), ultrasonography, computed tomography urography (CTU), magnetic resonance urography, and nuclear scintigraphy. CTU provides comprehensive 3D evaluation. We report a novel case of a 50-year-old male with RCU complicated by a concurrent distal ureteral calculus. CTU demonstrated the characteristic "S-shaped" proximal ureteral deformity and its aberrant posterior course relative to the IVC, enabling accurate preoperative diagnosis. The co-occurrence of RCU with ureteral calculus is notably rare, underlining the necessity of an exhaustive diagnostic process. The patient successfully underwent a combined surgical intervention, consisting of laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for RCU correction and ureteroscopic lithotripsy for calculus removal, showcasing a minimally invasive approach to simultaneously address both conditions. This report underscores the significance of advanced cross-sectional imaging in diagnosing RCU and demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated minimally invasive surgical techniques in treating complex urological anomalies. By documenting this case, we contribute to the broader understanding and awareness of RCU among clinicians, potentially guiding more prompt recognition and comprehensive management of this rare condition.

I Thought I Saw a Retrocaval Ureter; Don't Bite the Fish-Hook Sign So Easily.

Background: During the management of patients with hydronephrosis, a possibility of retrocaval ureter (RCU) may emerge indicated by a fish-hook sign or its mimickers. Owing to infrequent incidence, the proper way to diagnose or exclude an RCU is challenging and has not been discussed previously. Methods: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the children who were suspected to have an RCU during management for urinary tract dilation. An RCU may be missed or misdiagnosed owing to rare incidence. Results: The children with urinary tract dilation in whom RCU was considered are enrolled in the study (n = 13). The demographics of the patients, findings suggesting RCU, evaluation process, management, and final diagnosis are retrospectively evaluated. The final diagnosis of the patients was RCU (n = 4), ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) (n = 7), and duplicated collecting system (n = 2). An RCU was confirmed or excluded by ultrasonography (US) while there was a stent in the ureter in 6 patients and by laparoscopic exploration in the other 7 patients. Four underwent correction for RCU, 7 for UPJO, 1 for reflux, and 1 ureterocele puncture. Conclusion: The fish-hook sign is a rare conflicting radiological finding that can be encountered in imaging studies. This uncommon finding needs confirmation or exclusion of a possible RCU as missed cases manifested after failed pyeloplasty or ureteroneocystostomy were reported. Radiological evaluation (by US or cross-sectional studies) while there is a stent in the ureter is the most satisfactory radiological technique to confirm or exclude an RCU. Alternatively, being aware of a possible RCU and performing a more extensive dissection may be necessary during surgery to confirm or exclude it. If available, laparoscopy may provide this goal in a minimally invasive manner with superior visualization.

Retrocaval ureter in a child presenting at a regional referral hospital in South-Western Uganda: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Retrocaval ureter is a rare developmental abnormality of the inferior vane cava. Commonly presents in the 3rd and 4th decades of life hence a rare presentation in the pediatric population. This condition presents a surgical challenge both in terms of diagnosis and management due to costly investigations and few urology specialists in resource limited settings. We present a case of retrocaval ureter surgically managed in a resource limited setting with excellent outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old female presented with 3 months history of progressive right sided abdominal pain and history of treatment for recurrent lower urinary tract infections. Intravenous pyelogram showed a ureter with a fish hook shape. At laparotomy, the ureter was identified, divided, relocated and ureteroureterostomy done anterior to the inferior vena cava. The patient recovered with no complications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of retrocaval ureter in a child surgically managed in Africa. It's a congenital anomaly of the inferior vena cava not ureter hence a misnomer. Amidst of being in a less resourced setting, an intravenous pyelogram may be all that is required to make a diagnosis.

Experience in Retrocaval Ureter at Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College: A Case Series.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital vascular anomaly described as the passage of the ureter behind the inferior vena cava (IVC) and then turning around the IVC to attain the final lateral position. The condition is usually associated with obstruction in the ipsilateral kidney, causing different degrees of hydronephrosis and complications associated with urinary stasis, such as stone formation. Imaging has a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of retrocaval ureter. CT urography may be the procedure of choice to confirm the diagnosis and avoid retrograde ureteropyelography. Indications for treatment include flank pain, recurrent infection, hydronephrosis, and stone formation due to obstruction. Surgical management is standard and can be done through either an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach. In this case series, we are going to see two cases of retrocaval ureter in a 56-year-old male and a 14-year-old male child who presented with a right flank of less than a couple of months duration. The first case has an associated horseshoe kidney and a solitary secondary stone. Both cases were surgically managed with open ureteral division, relocation, and ureteroureterostomy. Both have uneventful post-operative follow-ups.

A missed diagnosis of retrocaval ureter; case report and review of the literature.

The retrocaval ureter is an uncommon congenital anomaly due to an abnormal development of the inferior vena cava. Our case describes an 8 year-old boy who was referred to our center as a case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction with persistent hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty. Retrograde pyelogram showed features of retrocaval ureter which was managed surgically with constructive repair of the ureter. The low clinical incidence may be due to a number of asymptomatic cases that are not diagnosed in the patient's lifetime.

Congenital venous anomalies associated with retrocaval ureter: evaluation using computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from anomalous development of inferior vena cava (IVC) and not from anomalous of the ureter. The anomaly always occurs on the right side due to regression of right supracardinal vein and persistence of right posterior cardinal vein. Retrocaval ureter tends to be associated with various vena cava anomalies because of the embryogenesis. We aimed to identify the prevalence of associated congenital venous anomalies (CVA) resulting from cardinal vein development in adults with retrocaval ureter using computed tomography (CT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 22 adults with retrocaval ureter. We evaluated CT findings and determined the incidence of associated CVA using thin slice data sets from CT scanner with 64 or more detectors. We compared the prevalence of CVA in the retrocaval ureter group (mean age: 57 ± 19 years) and in the control group of 6189 adults with normal ureter (mean age: 66 ± 14 years). RESULTS: In the retrocaval ureter group, 4 (18.2%) adults had CVA including double IVC, right double IVC, preisthmic IVC with horseshoe kidney, and preaortic iliac confluence. One of 2 adults with preaortic iliac confluence had right double right IVC. In the control group, 49 (0.79%) adults had CVA including 37 double IVC, 11 left IVC, and 1 IVC interruption azygos continuation. Fifteen horseshow kidneys were found. The prevalence of associated CVA in the retrocaval ureter group was higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Retrocaval ureter is frequently associated with CVA. Various CVA with retrocaval ureter could happen because of abnormal development of not only the right posterior or supra cardinal vein but also other cardinal veins.

Robot-assisted transperitoneal reconstruction of a retrocaval ureter: A report of two cases.

A retrocaval ureter (RCU) is a rare cause of congenital ureteral obstruction that often requires surgical repair. We report two cases of RCU in adults treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. In both cases, we performed robotic ureteroureterostomy with dissection of the entire length of the retrocaval portion of the right ureter without complications. In the second case, renal stone removal was simultaneously performed. The robot-assisted procedure we performed could be considered safe and feasible for the surgical repair of an RCU.

An Incidental Finding of Retrocaval Ureter Causing Hydroureteronephrosis.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare, congenital anomaly of the inferior vena cava. Due to an abnormal process in embryogenesis, the ureter descends posterior to the inferior vena cava. Although the anomaly can be found in pediatric patients, it most commonly manifests symptoms between the third and fourth decade of life that are typically due to ureteric obstruction, such as hydronephrosis. Retrocaval ureter can be asymptomatic and may be the reason for unreported cases and low incidence in the world. In this case, we reviewed the record of a patient with the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter incidentally found during admission for a lower gastrointestinal bleed.

Very late diagnosed Retrocaval ureter: A case report of a very rare entity in Cameroon, sub-Sahara Africa.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Retrocaval ureter (RCU) is a rare congenital anomaly usually associated with upper urinary tract stasis, in which the ureter itself passes behind the inferior vena cava. RCU is often misdiagnosed and can lead to serious complications related to the upper urinary tract stasis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 57-year-old female who presented with 1-year history of intermittent right flank pain, of gradual onset. She was diagnosed with right RCU, with advanced functional deterioration of the kidney, managed by nephrectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: RCU results in varying degrees of hydronephrosis and thus, in a non-specific clinical presentation. Most cases are asymptomatic, discovered only during imaging or surgery for unrelated conditions or at autopsy. A late diagnosis can lead to an obstructive nephropathy which can be very harmful to the kidney. CONCLUSION: RCU is a very rare entity. The diagnosis can sometimes be late in under-medicalized settings, and must be taken into consideration in front of any hydronephrosis associated or not with intermittent flank pain. RCU-related complications can be very serious. Fish hook sign may be absent in case of nonfunctional kidney and must not exclude the diagnosis. Emphasis should be placed on prenatal diagnosis and routine abdominal ultrasound for early detection.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty of retrocaval ureter: Single surgeon experience and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Retrocaval ureter (RCU) is a rare congenital abnormality, secondary to anomalous development of inferior vena cava (IVC) presenting as ipsilateral obstruction needing surgical intervention. The aim of this article is to present surgical techniques and outcome of transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty in patients with RCU treated by a single surgeon at a tertiary care center and with review of literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, institutional review board approved chart review of patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty for RCU at our unit between January 2010 and December 2020. A total of 10 patients were identified. Preoperative evaluation involved a computed tomography-intravenous urography in addition to the conventional evaluation. All the patients underwent dismembered transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty over a Double J stent. Data analyzed included the demographic profile, operative time difficulty if any, postoperative, intraoperative complications and functional outcome. RESULTS: All cases were completed laparoscopically and no open conversion was required. Average operating time was 96.6 minutes ± 8.16. Average blood loss was 71 ± 14.49 mL with an analgesia requirement of 115 ± 33.74 mg. One patient developed postoperative urinary leak and responded to percutaneous nephrostomy drainage. Patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with a serial ultrasound and a follow-up diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid renal scan at 3 months to rule out any anastomotic site obstruction. CONCLUSION: Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty for RCU was associated with minimal morbidity and good outcomes.

Antegrade CT pyelography of right retrocaval ureter causing ureteral stenosis and ureterohydronephrosis in an exotic shorthair cat: A case report.

Retrocaval ureter is a rarely reported congenital malformation of the caudal vena cava in veterinary medicine. In this report, a 2-year-old exotic shorthair cat weighing 3.4 kg was presented for depression and loss of appetite. Laboratory findings was unremarkable. Abdominal radiography revealed right renomegaly, and ultrasonography suggested right ureterohydronephrosis. Right retrocaval ureter was recognized by computed tomography. An antegrade pyelography was performed to identify the localization of obstruction and whether obstruction was complete or partial. Complete right ureteral stenosis was confirmed through right antegrade pyelography on computed tomography. The cat underwent right nephroureteroectomy and recovered well after surgery. This is the first report of successful diagnosis and treatment of retrocaval ureter in a cat with significant clinical and imaging signs, using ultrasonographically guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography and multimodal imaging such as radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction due to aberrant blood vessel with ipsilateral retrocaval ureter.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a common congenital anomaly that causes hydronephrosis but rarely accompanies ipsilateral retrocaval ureter. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old woman, who visited to our hospital complaining of worsened right low back pain and fever, was diagnosed with right hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Intraoperatively before the planned robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty, retrograde pyelography was performed to reveal concomitant ipsilateral retrocaval ureter. Laparoscopically, ureteropelvic junction obstruction due to aberrant blood vessel and coexisting retrocaval ureter was confirmed. Transposition of the ureter from posterior to anterior of the inferior vena cava and following dismembered pyeloplasty was performed. Two years after surgery, her right hydronephrosis improved and she had no complain of any symptom. CONCLUSION: Retrocaval ureter is a rare abnormality; however, combination of preoperative retrograde pyelography and laparoscopic evaluation was important for management of this concomitant abnormality.

Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic techniques may be used for proximal and distal ureteral strictures. Distal strictures may be approached with ureteroneocystotomy, psoas hitch, and Boari flap. Ureteroureterostomy, buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, and appendiceal flap ureteroplasty are viable techniques for strictures anywhere along the ureter. Ileal ureteral substitution is reserved for more extensive disease, and autotransplantation is reserved for salvage situations.

Unusual presentation of retrocaval ureter with recurrent vomiting: A case report.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly in which the ureter takes an abnormal course from behind the inferior vena cava (IVC). A 26-year-old male was referred to Urology outpatient clinic due to recent finding of right sided hydronephrosis on renal ultrasound and recurrent episodes of vomiting lasting for 2-3 days for the past 4-5 years. On conducting further imaging studies, a diagnosis of retrocaval ureter was made. Open surgical reconstruction was successfully carried out, resulting in complete resolution of the patient's symptoms. In this case report, we highlight an unusual presentation of this relatively uncommon congenital anomaly.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retroperitoneal laparoscopy in treatment of retrocaval ureter with right renal and ureteral calculi: a case report.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare disease associated with abnormal embryonic development. Here, we describe a patient who exhibited retrocaval ureter complicated by renal and ureteral calculi, which were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retroperitoneal laparoscopy. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of intermittent back pain that had been present for more than 10 years. During hospitalization, he was diagnosed with retrocaval ureter, right renal calculi, and right ureteral calculi with right hydronephrosis; he underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. After the operation, his condition was stable and he exhibited good recovery. Our findings in this case suggest that percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retroperitoneal laparoscopy is a suitable option for the treatment of retrocaval ureter with renal and ureteral calculi.