Retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy for impacted ureteral stone

Retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy was successfully performed in two pat ients with impacted upper ureteral stone. The retroperitoneal space was ext ended using a balloon dissector and four ports were established into the re troperitoneal space according to Gaur's procedure (1993). The impacted uret eral stone was removed after the ureter was incised using a hook electrode. An indwelling splint or stent was placed in the ureter. The incised ureter was not sutured and an indwelling drain was placed in the retroperitoneal space. Urine leakage ceased within 3 days postoperatively. With regard to c omplications. the first patient developed wound infection caused by methici llin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the second patient had abscess for mation in the psoas muscle. Retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy should be useful as an alternative treatment for impacted ureteral stones because it involves minimal postoperative pain.