Obstructive uropathy secondary to sigmoid diverticulitis

From a review of the literature and detailed study of 16 cases, the authors believe that ureteral obstruction in diverticulitis is more common than is apparent from the literature. They suggest that urograms be performed preoperatively in patients destined to undergo intestinal surgery. Management of the intestinal disease need not be altered from that initially planned for treatment of diverticulitis except with the proviso that the retroperitoneum be examined for the presence of a fibrotic inflammatory reaction. If this is found, they suggest that ureterolysis of the involved ureter be performed to allow relief of this obstruction.