The combined surgical and medical treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis

While the cause of retroperitoneal fibrosis remains obscure, it is clear that a systemic disturbance often occurs at the onset. The treatment of choice remains ureterolysis combined with extraperitoneal lateral displacement of the ureter. Steroid therapy plays a part in dealing with the acute systemic phase, acts as a valuable adjuvant to surgery, and occasionally may obviate the need for operation in aged and debilitated subjects.