Noncalculous obstruction due to involvement of the ureter in endometriosis

A retrospective case series of 5 consecutive patients presenting with endometriosis of the ureter between 1978 and 1992 is reported. All patients were managed by a single Consultant Urologist in a district general hospital. The mean age of patients was 40.4 years (34-45). Only 1 patient had symptomatic ureteric obstruction. In 4 patients the diagnosis was incidental. Preservation or salvage of renal function will usually require surgical intervention. The diagnosis should be considered in women presenting with noncalculous ureteric obstruction, particularly premenopausal women of low parity or those who have had previously pelvic surgery. The pathology, presentation, investigation and management of the condition is discussed.