How should one take care after surgery for retroperitoneal fibrosis?

Q: I had been operated for retroperitoneal fibrosis surgery some 7/8 years back. I have the following questions: 1) Can it recur? 2) Is there any special precaution I need to follow? 3) Any special diet? 4) Any types of exercise I need to do ?

A:You have reported for retroperitoneal fibrosis 7/8 years ago. There are many causes of retroperitoneal fibrosis. In majority the cause is unknown - called idiopathic. As we do not know the cause in majority of cases, it can recur. You have not mentioned if there was a cause in your case like drugs, tumors etc. There are no known prevention strategies except to look for it. You may need to get an ultrasound abdomen/CT scan every 2-3 years. Ultrasound abdomen could be done yearly to see the impact of fibrosis on organs esp. kidney. There are no specific exercises to prevent it but, in general, exercise is good for heart and muscles.