Dismembered Pyeloplasty Research Articles

Robot-Assisted Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Pyeloplasty: Technique Using the da Vinci Si Robotic Platform

Conventional laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (LP) is an established alternative to open pyeloplasty given equivalent intermediate-term outcomes and decreased morbidity. Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) pyeloplasty has the potential to further decrease the morbidity of LP, while yielding superior cosmesis. It is, however, technically very challenging even with the use of an accessory port, largely because of the difficulty of intracorporeal suturing through a single umbilical incision. Application of the da Vinci robotic surgical platform to LESS pyeloplasty (R-LESS) has the potential to overcome these limitations. We describe our technique for R-LESS pyeloplasty using the da Vinci Si robot. We have found that use of the robotic system in conjunction with certain technique modifications helps to reduce the technical difficulty of LESS pyeloplasty and to shorten the physical learning curve associated with the procedure.

Laparoscopically assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Objectives To compare the results of a transperitoneal laparoscopic-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty (TLADP) with an extraperitoneal laparoscopic-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty in the management of children with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Methods Eighteen children (mean 29 months, range 3 months to 10 years) underwent TLADP. An additional 11 children (mean 3.6 years, range 3 months to 11 years) underwent similar procedures through a retroperitoneal approach (RLADP). We retrospectively compared the operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and follow-up in both the groups. Results The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the TLADP group (100.6 vs. 119.2 min, P< 0.05). The duration of postoperative hospital stay was better in the RLADP group than that in the TLADP group (5.3 vs. 4.2 days) but was not statistically significant. No intraoperative complications occurred in either group, but postoperative urinoma was found in one patient of the TLADP group and persistent postoperative pain was found in one patient of the RLADP group. The mean follow-up was 5.6 years in TLADP (range 4–9 years) and 26 months in RLADP (range 6 months to 4 years). A significant improvement in renal function was achieved in both the groups. We had to shift to an open technique for two patients of the TLADP group; both were obese children, 4 and 10 years of age. Conclusion Both TLADP and RLADP have been used successfully in the management of UPJ obstruction in children. We believe that RLADP is more suitable in older and obese children. Keywords : laparoscopy, pyeloplasty, ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Dismembered Pyeloplasty with or without Ureteral Stenting in Children with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of temporary internal ureteral stents on the surgical outcomes of dismembered pyeloplasty in children.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 70 children (76 renal units) who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction at at Asan Medical Center between January 2005 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. We classified the renal units into the stented group (22 renal units) and the nonstented group (54 renal units). Fifty-four of 70 patients were male and their mean age was 2.2±3.8 years old. The mean follow-up period was 29.6±16.8 months.ResultsSixty-four children had unilateral UPJ obstruction. The mean stent duration was 31.9 days. As shown by evaluation of radiologic images, there were no significant differences between the stented group and the nonstented group during the follow-up period (p>0.05). The mean preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior pelvic diameters (APPDs) of the nonstented group were 31.3 mm and 15.1 mm, respectively (p<0.001). The preoperative and postoperative grades of hydronephrosis were 3.9 and 2.9, respectively (p=0.037). The mean preoperative and postoperative APPDs of the stented group were 36.4 mm and 15.6 mm, respectively (p<0.001). The preoperative and postoperative grades of hydronephrosis were 4 and 3.1, respectively (p<0.001). Repeat obstruction was shown in 4 subjects as a postoperative complication (5.7%). Two children from each group had recurrent UPJ obstruction, with percentages of 3.7% and 9%, respectively (p=0.575).ConclusionsIn a comparison of nonstented and stented groups during pediatric dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction, no significant differences were found in the resolution of hydronephrosis or overall postoperative complications.

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children with giant hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction

ObjectiveStudies of surgical outcomes after reconstructive surgery for giant hydronephrosis (GH) secondary to ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction are limited. Over the past two decades, laparoscopic pyeloplasty has gradually replaced open repair in children in several centres. The objective of this study was to assess surgical outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children with GH. Materials and MethodsChildren with unilateral primary UPJ obstruction and GH were prospectively included and underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Postoperative ultrasonography was repeated at 3 and 12 months to assess renal parenchymal thickness, and similarly a renogram was repeated to assess improvement in differential renal function. ResultsDuring the study period 2005–2009, 53 children underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction. Of these, 8 children had GH caused by UPJ obstruction. The postoperative differential renal function improved in all of them. The postoperative improvement in renal parenchymal thickness at the end of 12 months was comparable to that of the non-GH group. ConclusionsAt 12 months, surgical outcomes after laparoscopic pyeloplasty for GH were satisfactory. Relief of obstruction allows adequate and comparable nephron sparing.

Comparison of Two Different Suture Methods in Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty

Objective: Anastomosis of ureteropelvic junction with a laparoscope for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a time-consuming and technically challenging procedure. We present our experience of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty and compare clinical outcomes of two different suture techniques. Methods: From September 2003 to June 2010, 105 laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties were performed in our department. All procedures were done using the retroperitoneal approach. According to the suture methods (interrupted or running), the patients were divided into two groups. An indwelling stent was placed intraoperatively in an antegrade manner. Data on operation time, blood loss and complications were collected. Results: All procedures were completed without open conversion. Mean operation time and anastomotic time were 96 (55–150) and 36 min (15–70), respectively. A significant decrease of operation and anastomosis time was seen when running sutures were applied. Mean blood loss was 54 ml (30–100). The total complication rate was 7.6%. No anastomotic stricture occurred. The average hospitalization stay was 7 days. During 5–85 months of follow-up, hydronephrosis was alleviated in all cases. Conclusions: Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for the treatment of UPJO can provide satisfactory clinical outcomes. Higher surgical efficiency and lower complication rates can be obtained by using the running suture method.

Technical Modifications of Double-J Stenting for Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty in Children under 5 Years Old

Both antegrade stenting and retrograde stenting for retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children have many disadvantages. In this work, we tried using an alternative technique of modified antegrade (MAG) double-J stenting for retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children under 5 years old, analyzed our results using the conventional antegrade (CAG) and the MAG techniques of stent insertion for this procedure, and reported our experience with these techniques. Between December 2002 and July 2010, 77 children under 5 years old with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. CAG and MAG double-J stenting were attempted, in the first 36 cases (mean age 27.1 months) and the following 41 cases (mean age 25.4 months), respectively. The stents were removed 4–6 weeks later via cystoscopy. Follow-up studies were performed with ultrasonography and intravenous urography at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. The results showed that successful stent placement without malpositioning was achieved in 31 of 36 (86%) and all 41 (100%) cases, in the CAG and MAG groups, respectively. The common factor of unsuccessful stent was the inability to across the ureterovesical junction. The mean stent insertion time was 10 min 54 s and 12 min 46 s in the CAG and MAG groups, respectively. The mean operating time was 176 min and 185 min in the CAG and MAG groups, respectively. No stent malpositioning occurred in the MAG group; in the CAG group, two children had a malpositioned stent in the distal ureter and one child presented with a severe hematuria. Twelve months follow-up showed no new onset of hydroureteronephrosis and hydronephrosis. Thus we concluded that the MAG double-J stenting seems more reliable than CAG stenting for retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children under 5 years old, with greater success and lower complication rates.

Retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a report of 85 cases

To investigate the clinical application of retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Of the 85 pediatric patients with UPJO, 56 were boys and 29 were girls. The age of the patients ranged from 2.5 to 11 years (mean = 4.6 years).B-ultrasonography showed hydronephrosis <15 mm (mild) in 15 patients,15-30 mm (moderate) in 59, <30 mm (severe) in the other 6. Intravenous urography (IVU) showed good imaging in 55 patients within 30 min, light imaging in 27 at 30-120 min, and no imaging in 3 after 120 min. The 85 patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. Conventional antegrade or modified antegrade double-J stenting was inserted in the 85 patients intraoperatively. The operation was successful in all, with no conversion to open surgery during the operation. The mean operation time was 146 min (125-240 min).The mean blood loss was 68 mL (55-112 mL).The mean postoperative hospitalization was 7 d (6-8 d ).Urine leakage occurred in 1 patient and with a good drainage, urine leakage disappeared in 1 week. Follow-up ranged 3-24 months (mean = 11 months).IVU showed on UPJ stricture, and good imaging in 75 patients within 30 min, light imaging in 10 at 30-120 min. Hydronephrosis was remitted:hydronephrosis resolution in 51 patients, mild in 6 and moderate in 3. Retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is a safe, effective and mini-invasive procedure for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction, with a rapid postoperative recovery. It will be the ideal treatment for UPJO in pediatric patients.

Comparison of the Learning Curve and Outcomes of Robotic Assisted Pediatric Pyeloplasty

We compared the learning curve and outcomes in children undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty during the initiation of a robotic surgery program compared to the benchmark of open pyeloplasty. The records of our first consecutive 33 children undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty from 2006 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed and compared to those of age and gender matched children who underwent open repair done by senior faculty surgeons before the initiation of our robotic surgery program. We compared operative time, complications, postoperative pain, length of stay and surgical success for 2 surgeons who adopted the robotic approach at an academic teaching institution. We found no significant differences in length of stay, pain score or surgical success at a median followup of 16 months. The number of complications was similar and they tended to be early and technical in the robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty group. Overall average operative time was 90 minutes longer (38%) for robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (p <0.004). When evaluated chronologically, there was evidence of a learning curve. After 15 to 20 robotic cases overall operative times for robotic assisted laparoscopic cases was consistently within 1 SD of our average open pyeloplasty time with no significant difference in overall operative time (p = 0.23). Of the decrease in overall operative time 70% was due to decreased pyeloplasty time rather than peripheral time. There was similar safety and efficacy with robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty, although complications tended to be technical and early in our initial experience. Operative time decreased with experience and after 15 to 20 cases it was similar to that of open pyeloplasty with similar outcomes and surgical success.

Robotic Pyeloplasty: The University of California-Irvine Experience

For the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty and open pyeloplasty have similar outcomes. We present our experience with robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. We retrospectively reviewed all adult robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties performed at our institution between November 2002 and July 2009. Preoperative evaluation included abdominal computerized tomography angiogram to assess for crossing vessels and diuretic renal scan to quantify the degree of obstruction. Followup with diuretic renal scan and a patient pain analog scale was performed 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. If the study was normal at 12 months, the patient was followed with ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to look for ureteral jets. Absent ureteral jets, worsening hydronephrosis or patient complaint of pain necessitated repeat diuretic renogram. A total of 61 robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties were performed in 21 men and 40 women. Followup was available for 57 patients with an average ± SD age of 35 ± 16 years and average followup of 18 ± 15 months. Mean operative time was 335 ± 88 minutes and estimated blood loss was 61 ± 48 ml. Average hospitalization time was 2 ± 0.9 days and the average postoperative analgesia requirement was 13 ± 9.6 mg morphine sulfate equivalents. The overall success rate was 81% based on a normal diuretic renogram and lack of pain using a validated pain scale. There were 3 grade III Clavien complications for a 4.9% major complication rate. Robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is a feasible technique for ureteropelvic junction reconstruction. When measured by the more stringent application of diuretic renography and analog pain scales, the success rate for ureteropelvic junction obstruction management appears similar to that of open or standard laparoscopic approaches.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty with a novel technique of JJ stenting in children

• To report our experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in children. • Between March 2007 and December 2009, 38 children with PUJ obstruction (mean age 8.3 years, range 3-14) underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. • A ureteric catheter was inserted into the mid-ureter cystoscopically. During pyeloplasty, the proximal end of the ureteric catheter was extracorporeally sutured to the distal end of the JJ stent with silk. • The ureteric catheter was then pulled down and the stent was pulled antegrade into the ureter and bladder. • The approach was retroperitoneal in all patients except one who required open conversion. The overall mean operative time was 162 min (range 145-210 min) and this appeared to decrease with experience. Mean hospital stay was 4 days (range 3-7 days). • Mean follow-up was 20.2 months (range 6-32 months). Satisfactory drainage with decreased hydronephrosis was documented in all patients on ultrasonography and intravenous urography. • Our study shows that retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is a feasible and effective alternative to open pyeloplasty with a relatively minimal complication rate in children 3 years of age and older, but it should be undertaken by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Exciting times: towards a totally minimally invasive paediatric urology service.

Following on from the first paediatric laparoscopic nephrectomy in 1992, the growth of minimally invasive ablative and reconstructive procedures in paediatric urology has been dramatic. This article reviews the literature related to laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty, optimising posterior urethral valve ablation and intravesical laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation.

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in a child with a relatively inaccessible intrarenal pelvis

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an accepted way of dealing with pelviureteric junction obstruction in children with extrarenal pelvis. However, intrarenal pelvis has been considered a relative contraindication for laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Here, we describe the technique of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in a child with intrarenal pelvis. The key when one embraces laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is to ensure that outcomes are not compromised. A successful outcome requires a widely patent, well-vascularised anastomosis performed free of tension.

Transperitoneal Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Pyeloplasty: Initial Experiences

The purpose of this study was to present our initial clinical experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Between May and October 2009, 14 consecutive patients underwent LESS-pyeloplasty (LESS-P) by the same surgeon at our institution. All patients underwent single port transperitoneal Anderson-Hynes laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty using the single incision laparoendoscopic surgery port, inserted through a transumbilical incision. Ultrasonography, intravenous urography (IVU) or diuretic renal scan was performed at the third month and semiannually thereafter. Patients were examined clinically every 3 to 6 months, depending on the symptoms. Radiographic success was defined as improvement of hydronephrosis with a patent UPJ on IVU, or improved drainage on diuretic renal scan. Anterior crossing vessels, high insertion, and severe adhesion were found in seven (50%), five (35.7%), and two (14.3%) cases, respectively. The mean operating-room time, which includes cystoscopy with retrograde ureteral catheterization and open-end stent placement, was 204.5 minutes (range 160-300 min), and the mean estimated blood loss, including urine, was 102 mL (range 80-170 mL). Mean hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-3 d). Wound infection occurred in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 6.2 months (range, 3-8 mos). The success rate was 100%. With the advent of the single port and laparoscopic instrument technology, the LESS-P, as minimally invasive surgery, would take the place of the standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty, and it may be a new choice for the management of UPJ obstruction.

Erratum to “Functional outcome after laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children” [J Pediatr Urol 6(4) (2010) 359–363

Erratum to “Functional outcome after laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children” [J Pediatr Urol 6(4) (2010) 359–363

One-Port Retroperitoneoscopic Assisted Pyeloplasty Versus Open Dismembered Pyeloplasty in Young Children: Preliminary Experience

We propose 1-port retroperitoneoscopic assisted pyeloplasty as a minimally invasive approach and compare the results to open dismembered pyeloplasty. All patients 6 months to 5 years old presenting with ureteropelvic junction obstruction between January 2008 and June 2009 were offered 1-port retroperitoneoscopic assisted pyeloplasty. Age matched patients who underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty during 2007 served as controls. The ureteropelvic junction was isolated retroperitoneoscopically and exteriorized through a single operative trocar. Pyeloplasty was performed in an open fashion with Double-J® stenting. Operative time, postoperative pain, surgical complications, hospital stay, ultrasound and mercaptoacetyltriglycine nuclear scan results at 6-month followup were evaluated and compared. Chi-square test and Student's t test were adopted for statistical analysis, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant. A total of 28 children (17 males) with a mean age of 18 months were treated with 1-port retroperitoneoscopic assisted pyeloplasty (18 left side). The control group consisted of 25 patients (11 males) with a mean age of 19 months who underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty (10 left side). Median operative time was 95 minutes (range 70 to 130) in 1-port retroperitoneoscopic assisted pyeloplasty and 72 minutes (58 to 102) in open dismembered pyeloplasty (p <0.05). Median postoperative hospital stay was 2.4 days with the 1-port approach and 6.1 days with the open procedure (p <0.05). Postoperative pain was significantly less in the 1-port group. Skin scar length was 1.4 to 2.9 cm (median 1.7) with 1-port retroperitoneoscopic assisted pyeloplasty and 3.5 to 6.0 cm (4.3) in the open group (p <0.05). The 1-port retroperitoneoscopic assisted pyeloplasty represents a safe and effective minimally invasive technique to treat hydronephrosis and could be the treatment of choice in young children. The procedure does not require laparoscopic suturing skills, and combines the advantages of open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Laparoscopic Simultaneous Bilateral Dismembered Pediatric Pyeloplasty Applying Three Midline Ports

The objective of this study was to describe our experience with laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral dismembered pyeloplasty in two pediatric cases by using three midline ports. A 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old male infant with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent bilateral laparoscopic transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty. A 10-mm trocar was placed through the umbilicus, and two 5-mm trocars were also placed in the midline superior and inferior to the umbilicus. On the left side, dismembered pyeloplasty was performed through a transmesocolic approach. Double-J ureteral stent was inserted through one of the trocars on both sides. The postoperative period was uneventful. Patients were discharged on postoperative days 4 and 5. Oral feeding was tolerated on the first postoperative day. In a 6-month follow-up period, excretory urography and renal scan showed resolution of obstruction. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty can be performed in a single session for pediatric patients with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. This can obviate the need for two sessions of anesthesia induction and intubation. However, more studies with large number of patients are needed to confirm this result.

Pediatric laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty: technique and results in 25 patients

Pediatric laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty: technique and results in 25 patients

86 Robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in an 8-year-old patient

86 Robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in an 8-year-old patient

Novel Method for Double-J Stenting in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty

To describe a novel technique of double-J stenting in laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Between January 2008 and July 2009, 22 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. A ureteral catheter was inserted into the midureter cystoscopically. During pyeloplasty, the ureteral catheter was pushed up and grasped outside the body through the laparoscopic port. Its proximal end was extracorporeally sutured to the distal end of the double-J stent with a silk. The length of the silk was about that of the urethra. The ureteral catheter was then pulled down until its proximal end exited the external orifice of the urethra, while the stent was pulled smoothly and antegrade into the ureter and bladder. After the proximal end of the stent was positioned in the renal pelvis, the silk was cut and the ureteral catheter was removed. The stent was correctly placed in all these patients without any stent-related complications. The mean time for cystoscopy to place the ureteral catheter was 5 minutes, 10 seconds, and the mean time for the stent placement was 2 minutes, 45 seconds. The mean time for a total of 2 parts was 9 minutes, 15 seconds. Our new method of laparoscopic double-J stenting is reliable and easily reproducible with the combined advantages of the antegrade and retrograde approaches to eliminate the risk of the stenting failure.

A Novel Training Model for Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty

To create and evaluate an inexpensive novel model for training in retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. The retroperitoneal cavity was simulated by five boards fixed together by detachable hinges; the extent of operating difficulty could be adjusted by changing the angle of inclination. The middle of a plasticine model kidney was imbedded into a metal clip, and a carp swim bladder was fitted to the kidney to model the dilated pelvis. The "ureter" was a 10-cm long porcine ureter. Semicircular-shaped simulator, laparoscopic camera system, scissors, needle holder, and surgical forceps specific for training were used. Ten rounds of intensive training of the "ureteropelvic" anastomosis procedure was provided for five laparoscopic surgeons. Each trainee's mean time of achieving dismembered pyeloplasty in three patients was recorded; the corresponding index in the last three ureteropelvic junction obstruction operations performed by each person before intensive training was retrospectively revised. Subjective evaluation was also performed, and a general self-efficacy (GSE) scale was applied to evaluate the self-confidence of trainees. This model reproduced the technical complexity of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. The operative time significantly declined from 41.84 +/- 3.00 minutes to 25.04 +/- 2.37 minutes after intensive training. GSE scores after training were also higher than before (27.60 +/- 1.14 vs 22.20 +/- 1.79). Correlation between operative time and GSE was significant. After training, all participants were more skillful in performing ureteropelvic anastomosis. This is a small study with a middle-term follow-up. The operation also cannot be simulated completely because the ureter is separate from the renal pelvis in the beginning. This model demonstrates satisfying fidelity and practicality; it could easily be built and reused, and could result in lower costs than those incurred using the traditional model.