The long-term follow-up of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis

In a series of patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis followed for up to 22 years, 21 were treated after ureterolysis of 36 ureters by wrapping the ureters in omentum. Recurrent fibrosis was noted in 2 patients involving 2 ureters. Earlier in the same period 3 patients with 4 ureters were treated by intraperitoneal placement after ureterolysis: in these, recurrence was noted in 2 patients involving 2 ureters. Steroids were used as an adjuvant when ureterolysis was incomplete or for relapse. The omentum appears to afford long-term protection against return of the fibrosis around the ureter.