Research purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for upper ureteral stones. Methods: A prospective study carried out on 25 patients with upper ureteral stones treated by retroperitoneal aparoscopic ureterolithotomy from November 2010 to July 2011 at Vietnam-Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital. Results: The authors performed Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterplithotomy in 25 patients including 13 men and 12 women. The mean age is 50.32 years old (22-79). 11 patients with stones on the right side (44.0 percent) and 14 patients with stones on the left side (56.0 percent). The mean stone side: 13.92 x 15,6 mm. 3 patients with first - degree of hydronephrosis
16 patients with second degree of hydronephrosis
6 patients with thirddegree of hydronephrosis. The procedure was successfully completed in 23 patients (92.0 percent) and an open conversion was carried out in 2 patients (8.0 percent). The mean operative time 63.00 minutes (45-120). The authors placed an indwelling ureteral catheter with 23 patients. Rergoval of drain in: 3.12 days. The mean postoperative stay: 4.72 days (3-12). Prolonged urinary leakage occurred in 3 patients. No major complication was encountered. Conclusions: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a minimally invasive, safe and highly effective procedure for the treatment of upper ureteral stones, can be replaced for the open surgery.