LAPAROSCOPIC DISMEMBERED PYELOPLASTY IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction remains the most common obstructive uropathy in children. Although laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty was described in a child in 1993, there have been few reports of laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty in children. We report on a series of children who underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty. The diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction was firmly established in all patients based on history, clinical examination, renal sonography and scintigraphy. Laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was performed using either 3 or 4 ports. Children were followed for urinary tract infection, and renogram was repeated at 3 months. A total of 16 children 5 months to 11 years old underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty between July 2002 and December 2003. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. One child with horseshoe kidney had development of fever and tenderness on the operated side on postoperative day 4. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube was placed and was removed 2 weeks later. Laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in children is too new to assess long-term outcome adequately. However, our study reveals improved outcome in the short term in the form of improved hydronephrosis and improved glomerular filtration rate on renal scan, and resolution of symptoms in all children.