Endometriosis: an unusual cause of ureteral obstruction

Endometriosis is a common disorder, affecting women in the child-bearing years. While urologic involvement is rare, the bladder is more often affected than the ureter. The authors describe the case of a 30-year-old woman who had unilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to an isolated periureteral retroperitoneal area of endometriosis. The theories of histogenesis are discussed. Current treatment consists of surgery or hormonal manipulation or a combination of the two.