Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a slowly progressive disorder in which the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters) and other abdominal organs or vessels become blocked by a fibrous mass and inflammation in the back of the abdomen. The disorder may cause pain in the abdomen that worsens with time, pain or swelling of the legs, decreased urine output, and swelling of the scrotum in men. Risk factors for retroperitoneal fibrosis include asbestos exposure, smoking, tumor, infection, trauma, radiotherapy, surgery, and use of certain drugs.Treatment may include corticosteroids, tamoxifen, stents or surgery.