Flexible pyelocalicolitoextraction in gas medium (CO2 ) during the laparoscopic surgery for hydronephrosis

Abstract

Hydronephrosis (HN) is a disease characterized by progressive distention and dilation of the pyelocaliceal system, which are caused by pelvoureteral segment stenosis and urine outflow problems. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pyelocaliceal system gives rise to parenchymal atrophy and diminished renal function. Prior to the end of puberty, HN is more common in boys than in girls. In 20-to-40-year-old adults, HN occurs in 1 % of cases; being 1.5 times greater in women than in men. Modern urology has achieved a notable advance in treating patients with HN. Highly informative diagnostic techniques allow the detection of this disease at early stages and the choice of the most effective approach to managing the patients. The first laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed by W. Schuessler in 1993. Up to date, it is the gold standard for HN surgery. Pelvoureteral segment stenosis and HN are often complicated by secondary lithogenesis. The quest of novel effective procedures for pyelocaliceal litholapaxy is due to technical complexities and a large number of residual calculi. This paper describes the use of flexible pyelocaliceal lithoextraction in a patient with secondary renal calculi during laparoscopic pyeloplasty.