Extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: initial experience in 15 cases

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. METHODS: From September 1996 to January 1999, 15 patients underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Aberrant vessels were noted in 4 patients. Dismembered pyeloplasty was performed in 7 patients and nondismembered Fenger plasty in 7 patients. Pyeloplasty was not possible in 1 patient. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 15 procedures were successfully completed. The procedure was not possible in 1 patient who had already undergone endopyelotomy repair. The mean operating time was 178 minutes (range 100 to 250), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 days (range 1 to 14). Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients (two hematomas and one urinoma). Radiographic assessment by intravenous urography 3 months after the procedure showed good results. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneoscopy, by providing easy and rapid access to the retroperitoneal space, seems to be a valuable alternative treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.     

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty has become a viable option for the treatment of select patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction with success rates similar to those of open surgery. However, little has been written on the application of this technique for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We report the largest series of secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction managed by laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1994 and March 2001, 36 patients underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The patients had undergone an average of 1.3 ureteropelvic junction procedures (range 1 to 4) prior to presentation, including cutting balloon retrograde endopyelotomy in 28, antegrade endoscopic endopyelotomy in 7, retrograde endoscopic endopyelotomy in 4, retrograde balloon dilation in 4 and open pyeloplasty in 3. A preoperative diagnosis of recurrent obstruction was confirmed by renal scan in 31 cases, retrograde pyelography in 2 and computerized tomography in 3. Of the 31 patients who underwent spiral computerized tomography angiogram 87% had crossing vessels. Laparoscopic repair comprised dismembered pyeloplasty in 31 cases, Fengerplasty in 3 and flap repair in 2. Postoperative renal scan or excretory urography objective followup was available for all patients at a mean of 10 months (range 3 to 40). Postoperative subjective patient well-being was assessed using an analog pain scale at a mean followup of 21.8 months (range 3 to 85). RESULTS: Average operative time was 6.2 hours (range 2.7 to 10). Average hospital stay was 2.9 days (range 1 to 7). One intraoperative complication occurred, that is bleeding necessitating conversion to an open procedure. Postoperative complications occurred in 8 cases, including anastomotic leakage in 4, and urinary tract infection, pneumonia, atelectasis, fever, bilateral upper extremity weakness and stone formation 2 months postoperatively in 1 each. On excretory urography, furosemide renal scan or the Whitaker test 32 of 36 patients (89%) had a widely patent ureteropelvic junction. Two patients (5.5%) had equivocal radiographic studies but were asymptomatic. In 2 patients the ureteropelvic junction was obstructed by renal scan. One patient had an indwelling stent for renal function deterioration and 1 was asymptomatic. Hence, 34 of the 36 patients (94%) had a reasonable objective response. Overall a 50% or greater decrease in pain was seen in 32 of 36 patients (89%). In the 4 patients with a less than 50% decrease in pain objective renal scans showed an open ureteropelvic junction. As such, the overall success rate of a greater than 50% decrease in pain, a patent ureteropelvic junction and stable or improved function of the affected renal unit was 83% (30 of 36 patients). CONCLUSIONS: For secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction, laparoscopic pyeloplasty can be performed safely with a success rate comparable to that of standard open pyeloplasty. The patient benefits of laparoscopic ureteropelvic junction repair of secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction are similar to the benefits of laparoscopic repair of primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction.     

后腹腔镜下离断式肾盂成形术

目的 探讨后腹腔镜下肾盂成形术的技术特点及临床应用价值. 方法 采用后腹腔镜下离断式肾盂成形术治疗肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄患者41例.男20例,女21例.平均年龄30(12～45)岁.左侧23例,右侧18例.有腰痛症状者31例,无症状体检发现者10例.其中孤立肾1例、马蹄肾3例、合并结石3例.41例均经临床及影像学检查证实.术中采用顺行置管和连续缝合技术.手术成功标准为患者症状消失,利尿肾图、IVU检查结果明显改善. 结果 41例平均手术时间160(95～300)min,平均出血量35(20～80)ml,无中转开放手术者.术中发现异位血管10例,均将输尿管置于血管腹侧.3例合并结石者均完整取出结石.术后发生漏尿1例,延长引流管放置时间,术后14 d漏尿停止.未发生其他并发症.平均住院时间7.5(5～14)d.平均随访28(13～52)个月,1例术后12个月因吻合口狭窄行开放手术治愈,手术成功率97.6%(40/41). 结论 后腹腔镜离断式肾盂成形术适应证广,效果肯定,可能成为治疗肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄的标准方法.     

小儿后腹腔镜下离断性肾盂成形术

目的 探讨小儿后腹腔镜下离断性肾盂成形术的临床效果.方法 肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻(UPJO)患儿24例.平均年龄7(3～14)岁.经B超、IVU、CT,磁共振水成像检查临床确诊,轻度肾积水4例、中度10例、重度10例.均采用后腹腔镜下离断性肾盂成形术治疗.结果 24例手术均获成功,无中转开放手术.手术时间平均180(150～200)min,出血量平均60(40～100)ml,术后住院平均7(5～9)d.随访平均14(6～24)个月,吻合口无狭窄,肾积水消失18例,肾积水明显减轻6例.结论 后腹腔镜下离断性肾盂成形术治疗小儿 UPJO安全、有效,可以替代开放手术.     

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a prospective randomized comparison between the transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneoscopy

PURPOSE: A prospective randomized study was performed to compare the results of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty using transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction were included in the study. The patients were prospectively randomized between transperitoneal (20 patients, group 1) and retroperitoneal (20 patients, group 2) laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. All the patients were assessed preoperatively by excretory urography, diuretic isotope renography and computerized tomography angiography. The patients were followed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and then every 6 months. Evaluation was performed by excretory urography and diuretic renography. Both approaches were compared regarding operative time, morbidity, hospital stay, convalescence and functional outcome. The preoperative demographic data of the patients and radiological and operative findings were statistically correlated to the operative time. RESULTS: The preoperative data of both groups were comparable. All the procedures were successfully completed with laparoscopy. Mean operative times were 149 and 189 minutes for the transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneoscopy, respectively (p = 0.02). In groups 1 and 2 there were complications in 3 and 5 patients, respectively. Morbidity, hospital stay, convalescence and success rate had no significant differences between the groups. None of the patient parameters apart from the approach had a significant impact on operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty has a satisfactory functional outcome and low morbidity regardless of the approach. Nevertheless, with early experience retroperitoneoscopy is associated with a longer operative time.     

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for pelvic kidneys with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children: technique and preliminary outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is rapidly becoming an acceptable procedure for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the pediatric population. We present our experience with transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in pelvic kidneys in pediatric patients. METHODS: A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used for performing a pyeloplasty in 4 patients, 7 months to 8 years of age (mean age, 3.14), with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a pelvic kidney. RESULTS: Average operative time was 2.1 hours (range, 1.5 to 2.8). Mean hospital stay was 2.15 days (range, 1 to 7). No intraoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for pelvic kidneys is feasible in the pediatric population, and preliminary results appear to offer the same outcome as that seen in orthotopic kidneys.     

后腹腔镜离断性肾盂成形术(附22例报告)

目的：探讨后腹腔镜离断性肾盂成形术的临床效果。方法：采用后腹腔途径对22例确诊为肾盂输尿管连接部(UPJ)梗阻的患者施行腹腔镜离断性肾盂成形术。结果：22例手术全部成功。手术时间70～180min，平均108min；术中出血量5～50ml，平均16ml；术后住院时间6～8d，平均7．2d。围术期无并发症。16例术后获随访3～15个月，UPJ吻合口无狭窄，肾积水得到改善。结论：后腹腔镜离断性肾盂成形术是治疗UPJ梗阻有效、安全及微创的方法，值得临床推广使用。     

后腹腔镜治疗儿童先天性肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻的价值

目的:探讨后腹腔镜肾盂成形术治疗儿童先天性肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻(UPJO)的可行性、手术技巧及临床应用价值。方法:回顾性分析26例先天性UPJO患儿经后腹腔镜肾盂成形术治疗的临床资料。20例患儿因患侧腰腹胀痛就诊,2例因血尿就诊,4例体检时发现。并发肾盂结石4例。在后腹腔镜下游离肾盂及输尿管上段,斜行切除狭窄段,用5-0可吸收线全层缝合输尿管近端与肾盂做V-Y吻合。留置支架管及肾盂造瘘管。结果:26例手术均获得成功。随访3～18个月,复查静脉尿路造影示吻合口无狭窄,肾积水、肾功能均得到改善。结论:采用后腹腔镜肾盂成形术治疗儿童先天性UPJO效果显著,安全可行,较开放手术创伤小,可以替代开放手术成为儿童先天性UPJO的首选治疗方式。     

Retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty: Using reconstructive methods based on intraoperative findings

AIM: Reconstructive laparoscopic procedures have been recognized as a less invasive treatment than conventional open procedures. However, although the laparoscopic pyeloplasty has also been accepted as useful, few findings have been reported relevant to the retroperitoneal approach. To elucidate its effectiveness and safety, laparoscopic surgery via the retroperitoneal approach was examined in our institution. Furthermore, the importance of laparoscopic observation for ureteropelvic junction and urine passage ureteropelvic junction without indwelling ureteral stent. METHODS: Between July 1998 and December 2004, 13 men and 15 women underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The mean patient age was 33.6 years (range: 13-70 years). Methods of repair were determined by intraoperative findings for the relationship between the ureteropelvic junction and surrounding vessels. An indwelling ureteral stent was removed before initiating laparoscopic operation to observe the relationship between ureteropelvic junction and aberrant vessels more precisely. RESULTS: An aberrant renal vessel was found in 13 patients (46%). Dismembered pyeloplasty was carried out in 21 patients, Y-V plasty in five patients and Hellstrom technique in two patients. Ureteral transposition was not required in dismembered pyeloplasty cases. All patients achieved retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty without open conversion. The mean operative time was 272 min (range: 155-490 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 44 mL (range: 10-200 mL). No major complications were observed during the intraoperative period, but urinary tract infection occurred in two patients in the postoperative period. In all patients except one, obstruction was improved or resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery is not only able to repair ureteropelvic junction obstruction, but can also be done safety and less invasively. We believe that laparoscopic observation without indwelling stent will contribute to a more appropriate choice of pyeloplasty.     

后腹腔镜肾盂成形术治疗儿童肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄15例报告

目的探讨后腹腔镜下离断性肾盂成形术即Anderson-Hynes手术治疗儿童肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻（UPJ0）的疗效。方法采用后腹腔镜下Anderson-Hynes手术治疗肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻所致中、重度肾积水的患者15例。病程2周～5年,均为腰部钝痛不适就诊,所有患者均经影像学明确UPJ0诊断。结果后腹腔镜离断式肾盂成形术耗时120～230（155．0±37．4）min,术中出血20-55（35．0±9．2）mL。无中转开放手术。术后2～4d拔出腹膜后引流管,切口均一期愈合,术后8～10周拔出D-J管,无漏尿及吻合口狭窄,随访3～24（18．0±4．1）个月,B超及静脉肾盂造影（IVU）提示积水改善、肾功能恢复。结论后腹腔镜离断式肾盂成形术在手术创伤、住院时间、术后恢复等方面优于开放手术,有望替代开放术式。     

MISSED ANTERIOR CROSSING VESSELS DURING OPEN RETROPERITONEAL PYELOPLASTY: LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSPERITONEAL DISCOVERY AND REPAIR

PURPOSE: Extrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction due to anterior crossing segmental renal vessels is present in more than 50% of patients in adulthood. In this situation the ureter must usually be dismembered and transposed anterior to the crossing vascular structures, where it is anastomosed to the renal pelvis. Via the open retroperitoneal approach there may be a limited view of the anterior surface of the ureteropelvic junction and, hence, anterior crossing vessels may possibly be missed. We describe 2 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in whom anterior vessels were missed during open retroperitoneal repair. Laparoscopic transperitoneal secondary pyeloplasty with posterior displacement of the crossing renal vessel was performed in each case. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients presented with symptomatic congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction after failed endopyelotomy in 1 and failed open retroperitoneal procedures in both. Preoperatively spiral computerized tomography angiography with a ureteropelvic junction protocol revealed crossing vessels in the 2 cases. This finding was confirmed at transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty. The ureter and renal pelvis were transposed anterior to the crossing vessels and 2 rows of running sutures were placed to complete the anastomosis. RESULTS: The 2 laparoscopic procedures were completed successfully. The anterior crossing vessels were preserved in each case. Currently the patients are asymptomatic and furosemide washout renal scan was normal. CONCLUSIONS: Spiral CT angiography reliably delineates the renal vascular anatomy in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. This study may be valuable before planned open retroperitoneal ureteropelvic junction obstruction repair. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty may successfully manage anterior crossing vessels associated with secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction.     

Retrospective comparison of retroperitoneal laparoscopic versus open dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical value of retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction compared with open surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 56 patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty were retrospectively compared with those of 40 patients who underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty through a retroperitoneal flank approach. The Student t test, Pearson chi-square test and Mann-Whitney rank sum test were applied for statistical analysis as appropriate. RESULTS: Patient demographic data were similar between the 2 groups. In the laparoscopic group operative time (80 vs 120 minutes), estimated blood loss (10 vs 150 ml), recovery of intestinal function (1 vs 2 days), analgesic requirements (diclofenac sodium suppository) (75 vs 150 mg), incision length (3.5 vs 21 cm) and postoperative hospital stay (7 vs 9 days) were better than in the open group (p <0.001 for all). No intraoperative complications occurred in either group. The incidence of postoperative complications (2 of 56, 3.6% vs 3 of 40, 7.5%, p = 0.729) and success rates (55 of 56, 98.2% vs 39 of 40, 97.5%, p = 0.058) were equivalent in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is a minimally invasive, safe and effective therapy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction with low morbidity, shorter convalescence and excellent outcomes, and can be accomplished reasonably quickly in experienced hands.     

后腹腔镜肾盂成形术治疗肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻（附20例报告）

目的：探讨肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻（UPJO）的后腹腔镜手术治疗方法及临床价值.方法：对20例UPJO患者行后腹腔镜肾盂成形术治疗.结果：全部患者均一次性手术成功,手术时间90～150 min.平均120min术中出血量20～50 ml,平均35 ml;术后住院时间7～10天,平均8天.术后1例出现漏尿,术后10天消失,余无并发症.随访6～52个月,平均20个月,腰痛症状消失,本组患者术后行B超、IVU榆查示肾盂输尿管连接部吻合口无狭窄,肾积水得到改善.结论：后腹腔镜肾盂成形术治疗肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻是安全有效的微创手术方法.     

30例肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻的原因分析及后腹腔镜下成形手术的治疗经验

目的:探讨成人肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻的原因及腹腔镜下肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻的诊治经验。方法:对我院2006年1月～2009年3月收治的30例(32侧)成人肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻患者的病因和腹腔镜下治疗结果进行回顾性分析。结果:肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄引起梗阻者15例次(约46.8%),异位血管压迫者9例次(约28.1%),纤维索条粘连压迫者4例次(约12.5%),输尿管肾盂高位连接者4例次(约12.5%)。共行腹腔镜下手术32例次,其中离断式肾盂成形术28例次,肾盂Y-V成形术4例,纤维条索松解4例,异位血管切断3例。30例患者手术全部成功,术中无并发症发生。术中平均出血量70 ml。术后3个月～1年进行复查随访,自觉症状消失或明显好转,B超检查提示肾盂积水有不同程度减轻,排泄性尿路造影(IVU)检查患肾功能恢复良好者28例(93.3%);失访1例。结论:腹腔镜下肾盂成形术效果满意,而且损伤小、恢复快,是解决肾盂输尿管连接部梗阻的最佳方法。     

Laparoscopic dismembered tubularized flap pyeloplasty: a novel technique.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is now an effective option for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We describe a novel laparoscopic technique of dismembered tubularized flap pyeloplasty for a difficult recurrent long ureteropelvic junction stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 73-year-old woman with ureteropelvic junction obstruction of a solitary left kidney had undergone failed multiple procedures, including open pyeloplasty, balloon incision endopyelotomy, retrograde balloon dilation and percutaneous endopyelotomy. Using a 4-port transperitoneal laparoscopic technique, the upper ureter was dissected, the scarred ureteropelvic junction stricture was excised and the dismembered ureteropelvic junction was closed with a stitch. A wide base renal pelvic flap was created and tubularized to bridge the 3 cm. upper ureteral defect. Laparoscopic intracorporeal freehand suturing was done to reconstruct the renal pelvis and upper ureter over a Double-J stent (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York). RESULTS: Total operative time was 4.5 hours and hospital stay was 4 days. The stent was removed 3 weeks later. At the 2-month followup the patient was asymptomatic. Excretory urography and diuretic renal scan confirmed a widely patent upper ureter with unobstructed drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Dismembered renal pelvis tubularized flap pyeloplasty can be successfully performed laparoscopically to bridge a long upper ureteral defect. This approach is feasible even in a ureteropelvic junction in which previous surgery has failed.     

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty compared with open pyeloplasty in children

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Open dismembered pyeloplasty by a retroperitoneal approach remains the reference standard for correcting ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction in children. We prospectively compared the results of laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty in children with UPJ obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period April 2003 to March 2005, 15 children underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty and 14 children underwent open pyeloplasty. The two groups were similar in age and mean weight. We prospectively analyzed and compared operative time, postoperative pain and activity, complications, and hospital stay in the two groups. The mean follow-up was 23 and 24 months in the laparoscopy and open surgery group, respectively. RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the open surgery group (159 +/- 21.39 [SD] v 214 +/- 32.26 minutes; P = 5.874 x 10(-6)). Postoperative discomfort/pain on day 7 was significantly less in the laparoscopic group, and the mean hospital stay was significantly shorter (P = 0.018019). CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of laparoscopic pyeloplasty include a high reproducible success rate comparable to the results achieved by open pyeloplasty. Our results indicate minimal morbidity such as pain and a quick return to normal activities. The hospital stay is significantly reduced, although the operative times are long compared with open pyeloplasty.     

Feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site dismembered pyeloplasty: a clinical report of 10 cases

Abstract Objective: To retrospectively review our experience with respect to evaluating the feasibility and safety of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) through a retroperitoneal approach. Patients and Methods: Between March 2011 and January 2012, 10 consecutive patients underwent LESS retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty performed by one experienced laparoscopic surgeon at our institution. A single-port access was inserted through a 2.5-cm transverse skin incision below the 12th rib along the midaxillary line. Standard steps of the multisite retroperitoneoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty technique using conventional instruments or a combination of conventional and bent laparoscopic instruments were performed. Follow-up studies were conducted by intravenous urography (IVU), diuretic renal scan, and renal ultrasonography. Results: LESS retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty was successful in 9 patients, whereas 1 required four-port retroperitoneoscopic conversion because of difficulties in remaining in the retroperitoneal space due to a peritoneal tear during the procedure. The mean operative time was 148.4 minutes (range, 103-210 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 31?mL (range, 10-70?mL), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.7 days (range, 3-13 days). Intraoperative complications were limited to the one case of peritoneal tear. An aberrant crossing vessel was noted in 4 patients, and transposition was not required in these patients. Urine leakage occurred in 1 patient postoperatively and was successfully treated by conservative management. The mean follow-up period was 6.2 months (range, 5-10 months). Satisfactory drainage with decreased hydronephrosis on IVU, diuretic renal scan, and renal ultrasonography was observed in all cases at the 3-month imaging studies. Conclusions: In experienced hands, LESS retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is a feasible and safe alternative for correcting UPJO, although it remains technically challenging. The long-term outcome awaits further studies.     

Minimally invasive treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: long-term experience with an algorithm for laser endopyelotomy and laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyeloplasty

PURPOSE: First line treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction is still open dismembered pyeloplasty. The development of videoendoscopic techniques like endopyelotomy and laparoscopy offers less invasive alternatives. The long-term outcome of an algorithm selectively using these techniques is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 1995 to March 2006, 256 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction were treated with 113 laser endopyelotomies and 143 laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyeloplasties. According to changing selection criteria, an early group (92 in 1995 to 1999) treated with laser endopyelotomy for extrinsic as well as intrinsic stenoses, and a late group (164 in 2000 to 2006) treated with laser endopyelotomy for intrinsic stenosis, were evaluated. In the late group extrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction was treated with nondismembered pyeloplasty in cases of anteriorly and by dismembered pyeloplasty in cases of posteriorly crossing vessels or a redundant renal pelvis. RESULTS: Operating time of laser endopyelotomy averaged 34 (range 10 to 90) minutes with a complication rate of 5.3% and a success rate of 72.6% (intrinsic 85.7% vs extrinsic 51.4%). Operating time of laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyeloplasty averaged 124 (range 37 to 368) minutes with a 6.3% complication rate and an overall success rate of 94.4% (intrinsic 100% vs extrinsic 93.8%). In the late group the LAP success rate was 98.3% with no significant differences related to the cause of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (intrinsic 100% vs extrinsic 98.1%) or the type of pyeloplasty (YV plasty 97.0% vs Anderson-Hynes 97.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyeloplasty yields an efficacy similar to that of open surgery. The inferior success of laser endopyelotomy even in optimally selected cases and the increasing expertise with endoscopic suturing may favor laparoscopic pyeloplasty with or without robotic assistance in the future.     

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children younger than 2 years

PURPOSE: Since the first laparoscopic pyeloplasty was described in a child in 1995, there have been several reports of pyeloplasty in older children. However, to date there have been few reports of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infants and toddlers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children younger than 2 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties performed in children younger than 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction was confirmed on renal sonography and diuretic renogram. Laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed via a transperitoneal route as originally described, with key modifications. All children were investigated with postoperative diuretic renogram and renal ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 38 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty between January 2001 and December 2005. Of these patients 11 (7 males and 4 females) were younger than 2 years at surgery (median 1.4, range 2 to 22 months) and 1 had bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, for a total of 12 primary repairs. However, 2 patients (17%) required redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty, for a total of 14 laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties in this age group. Operative time ranged from 70 to 140 minutes (mean 100) and median hospital stay was 2 days. Followup studies showed normal drainage in all patients except 1, who after redo pyeloplasty exhibited significantly improved but still prolonged drainage. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that laparoscopic pyeloplasty can now be performed in young children with good results.     

Endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

PURPOSE: Although open pyeloplasty remains the gold standard for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction, endourology and laparoscopy have revolutionized the management of upper tract stenosis. We present our diagnostic and minimally invasive therapeutic algorithm for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 13 females and 9 males with a mean age of 34.2 years suffering from ureteropelvic junction obstruction were treated with percutaneous endopyelotomy or laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty and followed for 47 to 61 months (mean 53.8) and 47 to 62 months (mean 52.5), respectively. Diagnosis was based on findings of ultrasound, excretory urography, furosemide washout renogram and retrograde ureteropyelography. In cases of ureteral kinking color duplex sonography and spiral computerized tomography were performed. In 14 patients with intrinsic stenosis percutaneous endopyelotomy was performed, while the remaining 8 patients (5 with crossing vessels, 2 with an extremely distended pelvis and 1 with a 2.5 cm. stricture) were treated with a laparoscopic dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. RESULTS: In the endopyelotomy group (success rate 92.8%), mean operation time was 1.2 hours, estimated blood loss was 152 ml., unit doses of analgesics were 5.4 tablets, days of hospitalization were 4.2 and time to return to normal activities was 15.7 days. In the laparoscopic group (success rate of 100%) the aforementioned variables were 3.5 hours (p <0.05), 150 ml., 6.3 tablets, 5 and 17.8 days, respectively. Long-term followup excretory urography and/or diuretic renal scan demonstrated improvement in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endopyelotomy should be the treatment of choice for intrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty, although technically challenging, provides excellent results for extrinsic or complicated ureteropelvic junction stenosis.