Retrocaval ureter associated with polycystic disease of the kidneys : treated by division and reanastomosis of the vena cava

Abstract

Cases of retrocaval ureter have been recognized and reported with increased frequency, along with the advance of urological examination. However retrocaval ureter associated with polycystic disease of kidneys is not found in the literatures to date. The forms of treatment of retrocaval ureter are classified into 2 methods, the plastic operation of the urinary tract and the surgical approach for vascular system. The plastic operation of urinary tract were most commonly used in these cases, but only 6 cases were treated by the surgical approach for the cava to date. Cathro first reported ligation and section of the vena cava in 1952, and in 1954, Corbus described a case which was treated by ligation and section of the cava in 1948. Goodwin et al. presented the first case which was treated by surgical division of the vena cava, mobilization and relocation of the ureter, and reanastomosis of the vena cava in 1957. In Japan Inoue presented the first case which was treated by surgical division and reanastomosis of the cava in 1959. One after another 2 cases were reported which were treated by division and reanastomosis of the cava ; Maekawa in 1962 and Sonoda 1963. These three authors were on the staff of Urological Department of Osaka University (Director : Prof. Kusunoki). This report deals with the fourth case in Japan of retrocaval ureter which was treated by division and reanastomosis of the cava.