Case Report
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 21, 2006; 12(43): 7061-7063
Published online Nov 21, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i43.7061
Retroperitoneal fibrosis: A rare cause of both ureteral and small bowel obstruction
Faisal Aziz, Srinivasulu Conjeevaram, Than Phan
Faisal Aziz, Department of Surgery, New York Medical College, Valhallah, NY 10595, United States
Srinivasulu Conjeevaram, Department of Surgery. North Oakland Medical Centers, MI 48341, United States
Than Phan, Attending Physician, Department of Surgery, North Oakland Medical Centers, MI 48341, United States
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Faisal Aziz, MD, Department of Surgery, New York Medical College, Munger Pavilion, Suite 211, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States. faisalaziz116@yahoo.com
Telephone: +1-914-5943241 Fax: +1-914-5944359
Received: May 10, 2006
Revised: June 13, 2006
Accepted: June 16, 2006
Published online: November 21, 2006
Abstract

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition of unclear etiology. It can cause ureteral obstruction. We present the unique case of a 54 years old female, who initially presented with spontaneous perforation of the cecum. Upon exploring the abdomen, the classical glistening white, unyielding retroperitoneal fibrosis was encountered. A right hemicolectomy was performed. Subsequently, the patient presented with bilateral ureteral obstruction, and later on with small bowel obstruction. Ureteral obstruction was treated with stents, and small bowel obstruction was treated with bypass. To our knowledge no case of idiopathic RPF presenting with features of both bilateral ureteral and small bowel obstruction has been reported in the literature.

Keywords: Retroperitoneal fibrosis, Ureteral obstruction, Small bowel obstruction, Surgery for retroperitoneal fibrosis