Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy (Report of 45 cases)

[Objective] To evaluate the surgical technique and clinical application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy. [Meahods] 45 cases of pelvis or ureteral stone have been treated by retroperitoneal laparoscopy suegery. The size of the calculi was 1.1~3.2 cm; the course was from 10 months to 6 years. ESWL has been failed in 12 of them, ureteroscopy been failed in 2 of them. Of the 45 cases, 37 had upper ureteral stones and 8 had pelvis stones. [Results] All the stones were completely removed by single procedure. The operation time was 55~130 min with a mean of 75 min. No obvious complication has been observed. During the follow up period (3~12 months), no ureteric stricture or recurrent calculus was found. B-ultrasound and IVP examinations showed that hydronephrosis and hydroureterosis were lessened. [Conclusions] Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy or ureterolithotomy has advantages of being minimal invasive, safe and effective, postoperatively early resumption and shorter hospital stay. It has a good applied value in the urologic clinical practice.