Endopyelotomy for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children

Percutaneous endopyelotomy has been shown to be successful in treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults. Little data have been published regarding this procedure in children. We describe 4 patients 6.5 weeks to 5.5 years old who underwent percutaneous endopyelotomy to treat ureteropelvic junction obstruction following failed open dismembered pyeloplasty. Preoperative obstruction was demonstrated by a nephrostogram, diuretic renogram and/or ultrasonography. Percutaneous endopyelotomy was successful in relieving the obstruction in all 4 patients, although 2 required secondary endoscopic procedures. One patient had persistent obstruction 40 days after endopyelotomy at the ureteropelvic junction and, subsequently, required percutaneous resection of a persistent flap of obstructing tissue. In another patient a ureterovesical stricture was noted at the time of stent removal, which was treated by endoscopic incision. All patients have been followed from 1.5 to 3 years postoperatively. Followup diuretic renograms, ultrasound and/or excretory urography demonstrated a patent ureteropelvic junction in all patients and all have remained asymptomatic. Endopyelotomy appears to be safe and effective in treating secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children.     

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.     

Retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy using the holmium:YAG laser

PURPOSE: We defined the safety and efficacy of retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy using the holmium:YAG laser. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between July 1996 and December 1999 a total of 28 renal units in 21 women and 6 men 7 to 75 years old (mean age 43.5) with ureteropelvic junction obstruction were treated at our institution with retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction was bilateral in 1 case, primary in 20 and secondary in 8. Endoluminal ultrasound was done before endopyelotomy in all cases. Patients with renal calculi underwent antegrade percutaneous nephrostolithotomy and traditional cold knife endopyelotomy. Endoluminal ultrasound revealed posterior and lateral crossing vessels in 5 patients, who did not undergo the endoscopic approach. Retrograde endopyelotomy was performed using the holmium:YAG laser in 23 cases and electrode incision with pure cutting current in 5. Postoperatively a ureteral stent remained indwelling for an average of 6 weeks. Thereafter patients were followed with serial ultrasound, excretory urography and renal scan at 3 to 6-month intervals. RESULTS: We evaluated 28 upper urinary tracts, including 19 (67.9%) with high insertion ureteropelvic junction obstruction and 9 with an annular stricture. As directed by ultrasound images, the incision location was posterolateral, posterior, lateral and posteromedial in 16, 5, 4 and 3 cases, respectively. Followup was available in all cases at a mean of 10 months (range 3 to 35). Success, defined as improved drainage on radiographic study and absent clinical symptoms, was achieved in 19 of the 23 patients (83%) treated with the holmium:YAG laser. Repeat laser incision resulted in a successful outcome in 2 of the 4 treatment failures. There were no acute surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy with the holmium:YAG laser is safe and minimally invasive therapy for primary and secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Endoluminal ultrasound aids in decision making when retrograde endopyelotomy is done.     

Interventional radiology in the treatment of uretero-pelvic-junction.

Numerous authors have reported successful results with both antegrade or retrograde endopyelotomy. Both procedures have proved to be efficient in primary as in secondary obstructions. Some additional etiological factors, such as crossing vessels high-grade hidronephrosis and poorly functioning kidney, may decrease the success rate of these minimally invasive techniques. The development of a cutting balloon catheter used under fluoroscopic control simplified the retrograde technique. This technique proved to be easier to perform than antegrade or retrograde endoscopic incision and did not require specialized instrumentation. In our experience 6 patients from 30 to 65 years old (average age 52) with an ureteropelvic-junction obstruction secondary to open surgery underwent endopyelotomy with the cutting balloon device. At the three month followup 4 patients had renographic patent ureteropelvic junction and no modifications were seen at one year follow up The retrograde endopyelotomy under fluoroscopic control seems to offer a rapid and effective treatment of UPJO. It is indicated for all primary and secondary UPJO obstruction apart forpatients with a concomitant renal stone or with high-insertion ureteropelvic junction.     

Percutaneous endopyeloplasty: description of new technique

PURPOSE: We present a novel technique of percutaneous endopyeloplasty, in which the conventional longitudinal endopyelotomy incision is precisely sutured in a horizontal Heineke-Mikulicz fashion through the solitary percutaneous tract, thus, achieving Fenger-plasty type of repair of the ureteropelvic junction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Percutaneous endopyeloplasty was performed in 9 patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Essential steps of our novel technique include retrograde placement of a ureteral catheter over a guide wire into the renal pelvis, establishing conventional percutaneous renal access, creating a conventional longitudinal endopyelotomy incision and performing full-thickness horizontal suturing of the endopyelotomy incision in Heineke-Mikulicz fashion. Suturing was done using the novel 5 mm. Sew Right 5 SR laparoscopic suturing device (LSI Solutions, Rochester, New York) passed through the nephroscope. RESULTS: Percutaneous endopyeloplasty was technically successful in all 9 patients. Mean total operative time was 100.8 minutes (range 62 to 140.), including an endopyeloplasty suturing time of 26.6 minutes (range 14 to 54.). We placed 1 to 4 endopyeloplasty sutures per case. Blood loss was minimal, mean hospital stay was 2.2 days (range 2 to 3) and the ureteral Double-J stent (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) was removed in 2 weeks. At a mean followup of 4 months all operated kidneys showed relief of obstruction, as confirmed by clinical improvement in symptoms and improved renal drainage on excretory urography and diuretic renography. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endopyeloplasty is technically feasible, safe and effective. Potential advantages over conventional endopyelotomy include wider caliber reconstruction of the ureteropelvic junction, full-thickness healing with primary intent, minimal urinary extravasation and shorter stenting duration. To our knowledge the initial clinical experience is presented.     

Retrograde endopyelotomy: a comparative study of hot-wire balloon and ureteroscopic laser

PURPOSE: This study compared the immediate and long-term results and complications of hot-wire balloon endopyelotomy and ureteroscopic holmium laser endopyelotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 1994 and January 2002, 64 patients with a primary (N = 52) or secondary (N = 12) ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent retrograde endopyelotomy using either a fluoroscopically guided hot-wire balloon incision (N = 27) or a ureteroscopically guided, direct-vision holmium laser incision (N = 37). This study group included 46 women and 18 men aged 13 to 79 years (mean 38.9 years). The indications and contraindications to a retrograde approach were identical in each group and included documented functionally significant evidence of obstruction, no upper-tract stones, obstruction <2 cm, and no radiographic evidence of entanglement of crossing vessels at the ureteropelvic junction. Immediate and long-term outcomes were obtained from a prospective registry, with success defined as resolution of symptoms and radiographic relief of obstruction as determined by follow-up with intravenous urography, diuretic renography, or both. Follow-up ranged from 39 to 133 months (mean 75.6 months). RESULTS: Length of hospital stay, indwelling stent duration, and long-term success rates (77.8% v 74.2% in the hot-wire balloon and holmium-laser group, respectively) were equivalent. However, two patients in the hot-wire balloon group developed bleeding necessitating transfusion and selective embolization of lower-pole vessels. No patient in the ureteroscopic group suffered a major complication. CONCLUSIONS: These two alternatives for retrograde endopyelotomy provide comparable success rates for similarly selected patients. However, because significant hemorrhagic complications developed with greater frequency in those treated with the hot-wire balloon, our preference is for a ureteroscopic approach, as it allows direct visual control of the incision and thus, a lower risk of significant bleeding.     

Pediatric Endopyelotomy: The Washington University Experience

Purpose

Endopyelotomy has gained acceptance as minimally invasive therapy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults. Its role in the treatment of pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction remains controversial. We report our experience with antegrade endopyelotomy for treating pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Materials and Methods

A total of 17 patients 3 months to 17 years old underwent endopyelotomy as primary treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (8) and after failed open pyeloplasty with secondary endopyelotomy performed a mean of 12 weeks open pyeloplasty (9). Standard antegrade percutaneous techniques were used. Electrosurgical incision of the ureteropelvic junction at a posterolateral orientation was done in each case. Internal ureteral stents remained in place for 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively.

Results

In 5 of the 8 patients (62 percent) treated primarily the outcome was successful at a mean followup of 38 months (range 25 to 53). Failures occurred at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months. In all 9 patients treated secondarily outcomes were successful at a mean followup of 59 months (range 16 to 110).

Conclusions

Endopyelotomy as primary treatment of pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction remains controversial but it may be appropriate in select cases. On the other hand, endopyelotomy is safe and effective for pediatric patients in whom open pyeloplasty fails.     

Retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy for the treatment of primary and secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children

The use of endopyelotomy in children with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction remains controversial. Although most investigators reported good results with percutaneous or retrograde balloon cautery incision, there are distinct advantages associated with a ureteroscopic approach. Three male children, ages 11, 12 and 17 years, underwent ureteroscopic endopyelotomy for treatment of UPJ obstruction (one primary and two secondary). The procedures were performed using 6F to 8.5F semirigid instruments and the holmium laser. All three patients underwent endopyelotomy without complication. The mean operative time was 80 minutes. Two patients were discharged home the day of the procedure, and the third patient was hospitalized for less than 24 hours postoperatively. With follow-up of 6 to 11 months, two patients are asymptomatic, with no radiographic evidence of obstruction. The 12-year-old boy had continued obstruction following endopyelotomy. At the time of open pyeloplasty, a large crossing vessel was noted, which appeared to be the source of obstruction. Ureteroscopic endopyelotomy can be performed with minimal morbidity and hospitalization in children. Further clinical experience is needed to assess the relative efficacy of this procedure in comparison with other forms of endopyelotomy in children.     

Endopyelotomy for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

A total of 14 patients underwent endopyelotomy at our institution for treating ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction (12 primary and 2 secondary obstructions) between March 1986 and July 1989. Radiographic evaluation of the patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months demonstrated improvement in 11, while the remaining 3 were stable. These 3 were cases with primary obstruction and 2 of them had had an associated large redundant renal pelvis. No patients exhibited evidence of increased hydronephrosis or decreased renal function. Twelve of the 14 patients had had preoperative symptoms. Complete and partial remission of the symptoms was obtained in 11 and in 1 who was radiographically stable, respectively. Thus, our success rate for endopyelotomy was 75% in primary obstruction. Successful results were obtained in all the 2 cases with secondary obstruction. There was 1 patient with an intraoperative complication (extravasation) and a late complication related to the stent. However, the problems were minor and easily corrected. Our results suggest that careful selection of cases may lead to a high success rate in endopyelotomy for treating primary UPJ obstruction.     

钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管肾盂连接部狭窄的疗效观察(附24例报告)

目的：探讨输尿管镜下钬激光(Ho：YAG激光)内切术开治疗肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄的疗效。方法：采用经输尿管镜Ho：YAG激光内切开术治疗24例肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄患者，术后平均留置双J管6周，每间隔3—6个月行超声、排泄性尿路造影及肾图检查。结果：平均随访10个月，20例临床症状缓解，影像学检查提示内切开段造影剂通过良好，治疗成功；4例治疗失败者再次行Ho：YAG激光内切开术，其中2例获得满意结果；无一例发生手术并发症。结论：输尿管镜下Ho：YAG激光内切开术对于原发性和继发性输尿管肾盂连接部狭窄是一种安全、有效、微创的治疗方法。     

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 management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients with upper urinary tract anomalies

PURPOSE: We report our experience with the laparoscopic management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients with upper urinary tract abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1994 and May 2002, 7 men and 4 women with upper urinary tract anatomical abnormalities were referred to our institution for management of symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Anomalies included horseshoe kidneys in 5 cases, pelvic kidneys in 3, a pancake kidney in 1, a malrotated kidney in 1 and a duplicated collecting system in 1. Three patients had associated renal stones that were extracted during reconstruction. Mean patient age was 37.4 years (range 25 to 60). One patient had undergone a previously unsuccessful endopyelotomy and 2 had a history of abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 195 minutes (range 85 to 403) and mean estimated blood loss was 122 cc (range 20 to 300). No patient in this series required transfusion. Average length of hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2 to 5). Renal function failed to improve after surgery in 1 patient with poor renal function and severe hydronephrosis. The remaining 10 patients (91%) had durable clinical and/or radiographic success during a followup of 32.6 and 21.3 months, respectively. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an effective treatment alternative for ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.     

URETEROSCOPIC ENDOPYELOTOMY AT A SINGLE SETTING

Purpose

Endopyelotomy has become the initial treatment of choice for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Debate persists regarding the preferred approach (percutaneous or ureteroscopic) and the need for preoperative stenting. We review our experience with ureteroscopic endopyelotomy without preoperative stenting.

Materials and Methods

We treated 21 patients a mean of 37 years old who had ureteropelvic junction obstruction with ureteroscopy and without preoperative stenting. Endoluminal ultrasound was performed in all cases for imaging the periureteral anatomy. A minimum of 1 year of followup is available in all cases. Success was defined as pain-free status with resolution of obstruction on diuretic renal scintigraphy.

Results

Success was achieved in 17 of 21 patients (81%). Complications included stent irritation, postoperative urinary infection and stent displacement requiring repositioning in 1 cases each. Crossing vessels in 57% of the patients affected success (67 versus 100% in those with and without crossing vessels, respectively). No patient had significant hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Ureteroscopic endopyelotomy without preoperative stenting is effective and safe for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.     

Horseshoe kidney: the impact of percutaneous surgery.

Six patients with a stone disease and/or ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a horseshoe kidney underwent percutaneous surgery. No major complications were observed and only 1 patient presented residual fragments in the lower calyx 3 months after treatment. The special features of the use of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and endopyelotomy for this anomaly are described.     

Acucise endopyelotomy: A technique with limited efficacy for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the ef fi cacy of Acucise endopyelotomy in a series of patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a symptomatic primary UPJO underwent Acucise endopyelotomy. Patients with high-grade hydronephrosis and/or poor renal function were excluded. Patients were followed by ultrasound imaging, intravenous urography, diuretic renography, and clinical review. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 58% (14/24 patients), with a median follow up of 32 months. Of the ten patients in whom Acucise endopyelotomy failed, seven underwent open pyeloplasty, one required nephrectomy, and two received a permanent ureteral stent. A poor outcome was noted in patients without perioperative extravasation. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with Acucise endopyelotomy indicates that the success rate is lower than initially reported. Larger studies are needed to clarify the role of Acucise endopyelotomy in comparison with other techniques.     

A prospective study of endoluminal ultrasound versus computerized tomography angiography for detecting crossing vessels at the ureteropelvic junction

PURPOSE: Crossing vessels at the ureteropelvic junction are associated with bleeding complications and a higher risk of failure after endopyelotomy. We compared computerized tomography (CT) angiography and endoluminal ultrasound for detecting crossing vessels before planned endopyelotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperatively patients underwent CT angiography. Intraoperative evaluation included retrograde ureteropyelography, endoluminal ultrasound and ureteroscopy. Intraoperative findings were used to direct treatment. RESULTS: Endoluminal ultrasound detected 19 crossing vessels in 14 of 20 patients (70%), while CT detected 9 crossing vessels in 7 (35%). Endoluminal ultrasound identified a septum between the ureter and renal pelvis in 7 patients (35%) but CT demonstrated none. On the basis of imaging findings we selected 5 patients for pyeloplasty, and endoluminal ultrasound accurately predicted the absence or presence of crossing vessels in all 5. CT angiography was accurate in 3 patients. However, in 2 patients a total of 4 vessels were missed by CT. A total of 15 patients underwent endopyelotomy with no bleeding complications. The presence or absence of a septum on endoluminal ultrasound was confirmed in all patients. Imaging findings altered the treatment chosen in 4 patients and changed the direction of the incision at the ureteropelvic junction in another 4. Clinical and radiographic success was achieved in all 13 patients (100%) with adequate followup. CONCLUSIONS: Endoluminal ultrasound was more sensitive than CT angiography for identifying crossing vessels and septa. Treatment based on endoluminal ultrasound findings may decrease complications and improve the results of minimally invasive treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.     

Antegrade endopyelotomy for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in transplanted kidneys

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Little is known about the incidence and treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction of renal grafts. We report on three cases treated by endopyelotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Graft function declined in three patients 98, 135, and 144 days after kidney transplantation. Acute rejection was excluded by renal biopsy. Ultrasonography revealed a dilated collecting system, and a percutaneous nephrostomy tube was placed. An antegrade nephrostogram showed UPJ obstruction. Percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomy was performed with the cold-knife technique, and the area was stented for 6 weeks using a 14F/8.2F Smith endopyelotomy stent. RESULTS: No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The endopyelotomies were successful, and the creatinine clearances returned to normal. CONCLUSION: Antegrade endopyelotomy in patients with UPJ obstruction of a renal graft is feasible and effective. Normal kidney function was restored after correction of the obstruction.     

Percutaneous endopyelotomy

Percutaneous endopyelotomy, introduced over 15 years ago, is a well-established alternative to open operative pyeloplasty for management of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Although several variations of the technique have been described, the goal in all cases is to develop a full thickness incision though the obstructing proximal uretra that extends out to the peripyeloureteral fat and heals over an internal stent. Though a percutaneous endopyelotomy can be considered for almost any patient with primary or secondary UPJ obstruction, it is particularly valuable in the setting of upper tract stones that can then be managed simultaneously. This article reviews the indications, techniques, and outcomes of percutaneous endopyelotomy.     

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.     

Open dismembered tubularized flap pyeloplasty: an effective and simple operation for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success rate of dismembered tubularized flap pyeloplasty (DTFP) in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study from August 2002 to September 2004, 15 patients with a mean age of 21 years (range 2-47) in whom UPJO had been diagnosed by sonography, excretory urography or diuretic renography and who had a large extrarenal pelvis, underwent operation via flank intercostal incision. The proximal ureter and renal pelvis were dissected and mobilized retroperitoneally, the site of UPJO was excised and the site of insertion of the ureter on the renal pelvis was closed with a stitch. A wide based renal pelvic flap was created and tubularized to bridge the upper ureteral defect. After insertion of a nephrostomy tube, a double-J tube was inserted as an internal ureteral stent and anastomosis of the tubularized flap to the spatulated upper ureter was done and the renal pelvis window was closed. Patients were followed 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean operation time was 1 h and mean hospital stay was 3 days. The ureteral stent was removed 4 weeks after operation and at the same time a nephrostogram was done that showed a widely patent ureteropelvic junction with good renal pelvis drainage in 12 ( approximately 80%) of the cases, but in 3 cases (approximately 20%) passage of contrast materials was not seen. In these patients, methylene blue was injected via a nephrostomy tube and in 2 patients (14%) urine color turned blue 20 min later, but in 1 patient (7%) this test was also negative. The latter patient underwent percutaneous endopyelotomy later. Mean patient follow-up was 14 months. Follow-up excretory urography confirmed patent and unobstructed ureteropelvic junction in all patients. The overall success rate of DTFP was 93%. CONCLUSION: DTFP is a simple and effective procedure for patients with UPJO who have long or multiple upper ureteral strictures and a large extrarenal pelvis.