A total of 19 studies were included in the review (n=478 patients): 13 studies assessed open surgical techniques (n=426, range six to 110) with a mean follow-up of between seven and 55 months; and six studies assessed EVAR (n=52, range six to 11) with a mean follow-up of between 19 and 33 months.
Regression of PAF occurred significantly more frequently following open surgery compared to EVAR (86% versus 60%). Complete regression of PAF was significantly more frequent following open surgery compared to EVAR (52% versus 14%).
Frequency of persistent ureteral obstruction was lower in patients treated surgically compared to patients treated with EVAR (27% versus 53%) and remained lower in these patients following exclusion of patients who received concurrent ureterolysis (32% versus 56%); these differences were not statistically significant.