Posterior lumbotomy in pediatric pyeloplasty

Between 1981 and 1985 we performed 32 ureteropyeloplasties on 29 infants and children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The posterior lumbotomy incision was used in 14 cases and proved to offer distinct advantages when compared to the anterior and flank incisions. The surgical technique is described in detail and the advantages are discussed.