Laparoscopic management of severe endometriosis affecting ureter

Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic management of severe endometriosis affecting ureter. Methods Retrospectively analyze the outcome of 44 patients with severe endometriosis affecting ureter treated by laparoscopic surgery in our hospital from January 2008 to December 2011. Results All the patients were successfully treated, 12 out of 44 patients whose endometriosis lesions infiltrated their left ureters, with a double-J ureteral stent indwelled in prior, ureteral lesion resection was performed in 10 cases, and ureter segmental resection with anastomosis was performed in 2 cases. The double-J ureteral stent was extracted 4-12 weeks post-operatively. Ultrasound examination in follow-up found no ureterectasis or hydronephrosis. In the other 32 patients whose ureters weren’t invased directly by endometriosis lesions and ureterolysis was performed. There was no severe perioperative complication. Conclusion Laparoscopic management of severe endometriosis affecting ureter is feasible. Double-J ureteral stent indwelled during operation could ensure operation safety.