[Secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis of scars following rectum exstirpation].

Ureteral abnormalities following excision of the rectum are similar to those found in retroperitoneal fibrosis. Their frequency is surprisingly high (45 out of 53 patients under close supervision approximately equal to 85%). Medial deviation of the lumbar ureter was regularly encountered on one or both sides (most pronounced at L5). Narrowing of the lumen occurred in 31 patients combined with impaired urinary excretion in 12 cases, among these hydronephorosis in 2 cases. As reason for this secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis the retarded healing of the sacral cavity has mainly to be considered. Furthermore, the surgical trauma itself seems to be of importance in this regard. Following surgery for cancer differential diagnosis of ureteral abnormalities should include malignant retroperitoneal infiltration.