Steroids in the treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Two cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis with asynchronous bilateral hydronephrosis are reported. One case was managed initially by unilateral ureterolysis. Subsequent contralateral disease was treated with a 6-week course of oral steroids alone with resolution of the bilateral hydronephrosis for 10 years. The other case was treated with unilateral renal exploration. Subsequent contralateral and residual ipsilateral disease was treated similarly with steroids and 7 months later there was resolution of bilateral hydronephrosis.