Hydronephrosis caused by retroperitoneal fibrosis (report of 5 cases)

Objective To present and evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of 5 cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis causing hydronephrosis. Methods The cases were reviewed and evaluated.Results The retroperitoneal fibrosis was idiopathic in 4 and the involved ureters were dissoluted on open surgery and the dissoluted ureter was then enveloped with a piece of pediculated omentum.The patients have been followed up for 6 to 40 months with normal renal function and the involved kidneys normal in size and shape.The other case had a serious hydronephrosis caused by secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis and unilateral nephrectomy was conducted.The patient has been followed up for 36 months with the remaining kidney normal in function,size and shape. Conclusions Retrograde urogram is very important in the diagnosis of the condition.Enveloping the dissoluted ureter with a piece of pediculated omentum is very effective.