Robotic ureterolysis, retroperitoneal biopsy, and omental wrap for the treatment of ureteral obstruction due to idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Abstract

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disorder of unclear etiology characterized by chronic inflammation of the retroperitoneum, which can involve any of the retroperitoneal structures, most notably the ureters, aorta, and vena cava. Historically, open biopsy, ureterolysis, and transpositioning or omental wrapping of the involved ureter(s) have been the preferred surgical treatments of RPF, with success rates greater than 90%. More recently, successful laparoscopic biopsy, ureterolysis, and ureteral omental wrapping and intraperi-tonealization have been described. We report the first case in the literature of idiopathic RPF managed with robotic ureterolysis and laparoscopic omental ureteral wrapping.