Retrocaval ureter: two case reports

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly where the ureter passes behind the inferior vena cava.
• Symptoms like hydronephrosis typically manifest in the third or fourth decade of life.

Observation:

• The study reports the first two cases of this anomaly in Ghana.
• A 36-year-old male and a 40-year-old female presented with right flank pain and right hydronephrosis.

Findings:

• Diagnosis was confirmed using retrograde ureteropyelogram.
• Both patients underwent open surgical repair for the retrocaval ureter.

Implications:

• This case report expands the geographic understanding of retrocaval ureter incidence.
• It underscores the importance of considering this anomaly in adult patients with unexplained hydronephrosis and flank pain.