3D Laparoscopic Ureterolysis for Retroperitoneal Fibrosis Secondary to Radical Hysterectomy and Radiation Treatment for Cervical Cancer: Results from the Oncological Institute, Cluj Napoca.

BACKGROUND: Ureterolysis represents the surgical treatment for retroperitoneal fibrosis. The aim of the study was to review the outcomes of patients who had undergone radical hysterectomy and radiotherapy for cervical cancer that later developed retroperitoneal fibrosis, for whom 3D laparoscopic ureterolysis was performed in our department and to review current published studies.

METHODS: We present a series of cases consisting of 6 patients with secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis. In all cases, the intervention was performed by the same surgeon from the Oncological Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță" Cluj-Napoca, Romania. We carried out a literature review, searching in the PubMed and MEDLINE studies published between 2000 and 2021 relevant to the matter and a total of 12 papers were selected. We reviewed the functional outcomes of patients that underwent minimally invasive ureterolysis.

RESULTS: 3D laparoscopic ureterolysis was performed in 6 patients. Mean operative time was 166 minutes and mean blood loss was 203 mL. No surgery required conversion. Five patients showed good functional results after ureteral stent removal. In one case, the patient developed acute pyelonephritis and the ureteral stents were kept.

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ureterolysis for retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to operated and radiation-treated cervical cancer represents one of the most complex and challenging surgeries in the urological field. From personal experience we conclude that in oncological centers with vast experience in laparoscopy this minimally invasive approach is feasible and safe. Published data, even though scarce, strengthens our results and the need for this surgery in patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis with urological impact. The laparoscopic approach comes with good functional results and with the advantages of faster post-operative recovery comparing to open surgery and comparable results with the precision and dexterity offered by the robotic approach, but with lower economic burden.