Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty Research Articles

UP-2.107: Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty: Also Suitable for an Infant?

Experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for the correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction is extremely limited in infants. We review our experience with this technique in both children and infants to evaluate its role in the latter group.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty and Nephropexy for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Nephroptosis

A 22-year-old female was referred with right flank pain and recurrent urinary infections. Flank pain was persistent while standing and relieved upon supine position. Intravenous urography demonstrated change of position with descent approximately 6-7 cm as the patient moved from the supine to the erect position. Diuretic renography corroborated the finding of right ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). A robotic-assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty with simultaneous nephropexy was performed. The proximal ureter appeared to course posterior to the renal vein and then anterior to the lower pole renal artery. There was a significant "nutcracker effect" to the proximal ureter, which was causing the patient's UPJO, and the concomitant nephroptosis contributed to increase the degree of obstruction. The robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and nephropexy offer advantages for patients and surgeons and can be used in challenging cases with an efficacy similar to that of open repair. The robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is the evolving standard for UPJO, especially in the presence of crossing vessels.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the management of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in horseshoe kidneys: initial experience.

Minimally invasive dismembered pyeloplasty has become the gold-standard treatment for symptomatic pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) in recent years. A small proportion of patients with PUJO have horseshoe kidneys. We present two cases of robot-assisted pyeloplasty in horseshoe kidneys and describe the technical modifications for success in these cases. Two patients, aged 28 and 35years, were diagnosed with symptomatic PUJO in horseshoe kidneys. Both had a robotic-assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty using the daVinci(®) surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) reconstructions were performed pre-operatively to plan surgery. The transperitoneal ports were placed more caudally than usual for improved access to the PUJ. The isthmus was not divided in either case. The procedures took 190 and 90min, respectively, with minimal blood loss and no post-operative complications. Patients were discharged on post-operative day2 following catheter and drain removal. Follow-up diuretic renograms showed no residual obstruction and patients were symptomatically better. Our initial experience suggests that RALP is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of PUJO in horseshoe kidneys with good short-term outcomes. These are challenging cases and robust pre-operative planning combined with technical modifications has been beneficial to our success. The enhanced suturing possible with the daVinci(®) surgical system facilitates these procedures.

Retrograde Placement of Ureteral Stent and Ureteropelvic Anastomosis with Two Running Sutures in Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Tips of Success in Our Learning Curve

We report our experience of transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties describing our step-by-step surgical technique, and we retrospectively analyze the impact on operative times of technical modifications that were introduced during the learning curve. From November 2002 to May 2008, 84 consecutive patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction were selected for laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP). The main steps of the surgical procedure are described. In the initial 14 patients who underwent LP, we performed intraoperative antegrade stenting, and we configured the ureteropelvic anastomosis with interrupted sutures; in the 25 following patients, anastomosis was performed with running sutures. In the latest 45 patients, the ureteral stent was positioned retrograde, and ureteropelvic anastomosis was performed with two running sutures. We evaluated the impact of technical modifications on the operative times, dividing patients into three groups (group A, first 14 patients; group B, following 25 patients; and group C, last 45 patients). Median operative times of each group were compared with the Student t test. No major complications occurred, while postoperative urinary leakage was seen in three patients at bladder catheter removal (two in group A and one in group B). Mean operative blood loss was 70 mL, and mean hospital stay was 1.6 days. Median operative time was 115 min (range 110-125 min) for group A, 100 min (range 95-115 min) for group B, and 85 min (range 65-95 min) for group C; differences between operative times of groups A and B and between groups B and C were statistically significant (both P < 0.001). At a median follow-up of 38 months, recurrent symptoms developed in three patients. Overall, the success rate of the procedure was 96.5%. In a retrospective analysis of our series, the retrograde placement of the ureteral stent and the ureteropelvic anastomosis with two running sutures seemed to be tips of success in reducing operative times.

PUJ obstruction with crossing renal vessels - a case report of failed laparoscopic vascular hitch

Purpose Dismembered pyeloplasty has been the traditional technique in the management of pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) secondary to crossing renal vessels in children. Laparoscopic transposition of lower pole vessels for PUJO has been described in children as well as adults. Material and Methods We report a child with PUJO secondary to lower pole renal vessels who underwent laparoscopic transposition of vessels. The child had persistent PUJO, which was later treated with laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. Results After transposition of the lower polar vessel, the patient had persistent PUJO. Conclusions Laparoscopic transposition of renal vessels is a simple technique, and requires less operating time. It involves no anastomosis or insertion of temporary DJ stent. However as of now there are no imaging techniques or Intraoperative procedures to confirm that the crossing renal vessels are the sole etiology for PUJO. Till such time one should use this option carefully.

Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Secondary to Crossing Vessels—To Transpose or Not? The Robotic Experience

We compared the surgical outcomes of robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in patients presenting with anterior crossing vessels with and without transposition of the crossing vessel. A total of 107 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. Evaluation of surgical success was based on validated pain scores, diuretic renography and imaging results, including excretory urography, computerized tomography or ultrasound. Anterior crossing vessels were identified in 48 patients (44.9%) and vessels were transposed in 18 (37.5%) (group 1). No transposition was performed in 30 patients (62.5%) (group 2). Mean radiological followup was 52.9 weeks in group 1 and 65.3 weeks in group 2 (p = 0.181). Mean pain score on a scale of 10 was 0.82 in group 1 and 0.74 in group 2 (p = 0.917). A Whitaker test performed in 3 patients with persistent pain was negative. Preoperatively mean differential function on the affected side was 35.1% in group 1 and 36.9% in group 2 (p = 0.133). Half-time was calculated as a mean of 46.3 minutes in group 1 and 49.4 minutes in group 2 (p = 0.541). In groups 1 and 2 mean postoperative differential function improved to 41.1% and 40.9%, and mean half-time improved to 7.43 and 8.03 minutes, respectively (p = 0.491). A comparison of preoperative and postoperative differential function, and half-time in each group showed a statistically significant difference. The radiographic and symptomatic success rate was 100% with no open conversion and recurrence. Comparison of robot assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty outcomes revealed similar success rates in terms of the change in symptoms and renal function in patients with or without anterior crossing vessel transposition. Transposition of crossing vessel should only be performed when the anatomical relation dictates and it should be an intraoperative decision.

Robotic Ureterocalicostomy in the Pediatric Population

Ureterocalicostomy is a potential option in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and significant lower pole calicectasis. It is often reserved for patients with a failed pyeloplasty and a minimal pelvis, or patients with an exaggerated intrarenal pelvis. We present our technique of robotic ureterocalicostomy in the pediatric population as a primary modality for an exaggerated intrarenal collecting system not amenable to standard dismembered pyeloplasty, and for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Nine patients 3 to 15 years old (mean age 6.5) underwent transperitoneal robotic ureterocalicostomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Six of the patients had recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after primary pyeloplasty performed elsewhere. The remaining 3 patients had an exaggerated intrarenal collecting system with minimal or no appreciable renal pelvis for reconstruction. Outcome measures included operative time, length of hospital stay and postoperative ultrasound at 3 months, as well as resolution of obstruction by diuretic radionuclide imaging at 6 and 12 months of followup. Mean operative time was 168 minutes (range 102 to 204) for the ureterocalicostomy portion. Two patients underwent concomitant pyelolithotomy, with 14 and 21 minutes added to the operative time. Mean hospital stay was 21 hours (range 17 to 26). Diuretic radionuclide imaging, which was performed in all patients at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, revealed no evidence of obstruction in any patient. Robotic ureterocalicostomy is a viable and technically feasible treatment option for patients with recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction, or patients with difficult intrarenal ureteropelvic junctions.

Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty in 47 Cases

PURPOSETo evaluate the results of a sequence of 47 laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties for the treatment of patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, independently of the etiology.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwenty male and 27 female patients diagnosed with ureteropelvic junction obstruction were treated by Anderson-Hynes transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty from April 2002 to January 2006. The age of the patients ranged from four to 75 years, with a mean age of 32.3 years. The follow-up ranged between six and 30 months, with a mean follow-up time of 24 months. The outcomes were evaluated through the assessment of symptoms and imaging studies.RESULTSIn 44 (93.6%) of the 47 patients, resolution of the pain and a reduction in ureteropelvic dilation were observed. The mean operative time was 157 minutes (ranging from 90 to 270 minutes). Neither blood transfusion nor conversion to open surgery was required. The mean hospital stay was 2.2 days. The presence of crossing vessels over the ureteropelvic junction was verified in 26 patients (55%), and vessel transposition in relation to the urinary tract was performed in 25 of these cases. In one patient, the crossing vessel was mobilized out of the ureteropelvic junction with a perivascular suture to the renal capsule associated with the pyeloplasty.CONCLUSIONSThe outcome of transperitoneal Anderson-Hynes laparoscopic pyeloplasty used for different causes of pyeloureteral obstruction presented a success rate similar to a previously-published open procedure, with the advantage of being less invasive. This procedure may be considered the first option for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Effect of Cyanoacrylic Glue on Penile Fracture: An Experimental Study

We investigated the effect of Glubran(R)2 cyanoacrylic glue on rat cavernous tissue after forming penile fractures experimentally as well as the histopathological effect. We also investigated its clinical use. Experimental penile fracture was formed by incising from the proximal dorsal side of the penis in 32 Wistar Albino rats. The rats were randomly assigned to 4 main groups of 8 each. In the control group the incision was not repaired and it was left to secondary healing. In the glue group cyanoacrylic glue was only applied to the incision region. In the primary repair group the incision was primarily repaired and in the final group cyanoacrylic glue was applied to the incision region following primary repair. Three weeks later penectomy materials were examined histopathologically. When the control group was compared with the other groups, the differences in cavernous tissue healing with fibrosis and hyperemia-bleeding were statistically significant (p = 0.043 and 0.003, respectively). In the glue group fibrosis was observed in 2 rats. This group was the best according to cavernous healing. Although there was no significant difference between the control group and the other groups according to inflammation (p = 0.057), the glue group was better than the primary repair group (p = 0.026). No significant inflammation or hyperemia-bleeding was observed in the glue group. When the experimental groups were evaluated for histopathological parameters, it was observed that the best results were obtained in the glue group. Cyanoacrylic glue can be used in cavernous surgery due to its hemostatic, adhesive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Short Stay Pyeloplasty: Variables Affecting Pain and Length of Stay

Pyeloplasty is increasingly performed on a short stay basis. We sought to determine what patient and treatment variables affect postoperative pain and length of stay, and whether an open approach could be considered "minimally invasive." We performed a retrospective review of patients younger than 10 years who underwent open pyeloplasty between 2001 and 2007. All patients received ketorolac every 6 hours and acetaminophen with codeine as needed. Data extracted from the medical records included morphine and codeine usage, patient age and gender, incision type, operative time, stent usage and outcome data (pain scores and length of stay). Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the association between variables and outcomes. A total of 51 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patient age and gender, operative time and stent usage had no significant correlation with mean or median pain scores. Children who received morphine had significantly higher mean, median and maximum pain scores and length of stay (33 vs 23 hours) than those who did not receive morphine. Multiple regression analyses revealed that morphine usage and dorsal lumbotomy incision were independently associated with higher mean, median and maximum pain scores, and a nephroureteral catheter was correlated with a higher maximum pain score. The only variable associated with length of stay was morphine usage. Morphine usage was the most significant variable associated with increased pain scores and increased length of stay. Ketorolac and acetaminophen/codeine provide better pain control, and allow children to return home within 24 hours. With mean pain scores less than 1 this series demonstrates that open pyeloplasty can be "minimally invasive."

New Model for Training in Laparoscopic Dismembered Ureteropyeloplasty

To create an animal model for teaching laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in which a realistic anatomic environment and the technical points of the procedure could be duplicated. Ten pigs underwent general anesthesia, and the ureter was dissected and spatulated. The small intestine near the renal hilum was trimmed to replace the enlarged renal pelvis, and the "ureteropelvic" anastomosis was performed according to the standard operation steps. A double-pigtail stent was placed in the ureter in antegrade fashion. This model was used by trainees during their year of fellowship in advanced laparoscopic urology. A mentor-trainee fellowship program was planned to guarantee the success of the operations and the quality of the anastomoses. The learning curve was analyzed in terms of the time necessary to perform the task. This model reproduced the technical complexity of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. The total operating time declined from 135 +/- 14.6 minutes (range 121-155 minutes) to 62 +/- 5.2 minutes (range 56-70 minutes) after the trainees had performed 12 pyeloplasties. The time needed for intraoperative antegrade stenting declined from 35 +/- 12 minutes to 8 +/- 2 minutes. Six pyeloplasties could be performed in every pig with adequate substitutes for an enlarged renal pelvis. With this training, all participants were able to perform ureteropelvic anastomosis and intraoperative antegrade stenting skillfully. This model not only allows trainees to acquire the skills necessary for laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty but also provides more practices with the use of a suitable renal pelvic substitute.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a solitary kidney

A 40-year-old male presented with right-sided abdominal pain and no lower urinary tract symptoms. Examination was unremarkable, apart from mild right renal angle tenderness. Renal function, full blood count and C-reactive protein levels were all normal. Ultrasound of renal tract, abdominal computed tomography (CT) and (99m)Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) renogram confirmed ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the right kidney was identified, with a crossing lower pole renal vessel as the possible cause. An absent left kidney was also noted. Laparoscopic transperitoneal dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was performed, with posterior transposition of the crossing lower pole vessel.

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: A Prospective Randomized Comparison Between the Transperitoneal Approach and Retroperitoneoscopy

A prospective randomized study was performed to compare the results of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty using transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. A total of 40 patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction were included in the study. The patients were prospectively randomized between transperitoneal (20 patients, group 1) and retroperitoneal (20 patients, group 2) laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. All the patients were assessed preoperatively by excretory urography, diuretic isotope renography and computerized tomography angiography. The patients were followed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and then every 6 months. Evaluation was performed by excretory urography and diuretic renography. Both approaches were compared regarding operative time, morbidity, hospital stay, convalescence and functional outcome. The preoperative demographic data of the patients and radiological and operative findings were statistically correlated to the operative time. The preoperative data of both groups were comparable. All the procedures were successfully completed with laparoscopy. Mean operative times were 149 and 189 minutes for the transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneoscopy, respectively (p = 0.02). In groups 1 and 2 there were complications in 3 and 5 patients, respectively. Morbidity, hospital stay, convalescence and success rate had no significant differences between the groups. None of the patient parameters apart from the approach had a significant impact on operative time. Laparoscopic dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty has a satisfactory functional outcome and low morbidity regardless of the approach. Nevertheless, with early experience retroperitoneoscopy is associated with a longer operative time.

Case Report: Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction of Lower Moiety in Duplex System

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction can be associated with renal anomalies. We report a case of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in a lower moiety of a complete duplex system. A 40-year-old woman presented with right flank pain. Intravenous urography revealed a typical UPJ obstruction on the right side, and a diuretic renal scan showed 35% uptake of the tracer and a glomerular filtration rate of 57 mL/min with delayed excretion (T1/2 28 minutes). Transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty was performed. The operative time was 140 minutes with a blood loss of 30 mL. Diclofenac sodium (total requirement 150 mg) was used for analgesia. A diuretic renal scan at 3 months showed 41% uptake and a glomerular filtration rate of 66 mL/min, with prompt drainage without obstruction of the right kidney (T(1/2) 18 minutes). At 6 months' follow-up, the patient was symptom free. To our knowledge, our report is the third where laparoscopic pyeloplasty for a duplex system was carried out. Prior placement of Double-J stent made identification of the ureter draining the lower moiety during laparoscopic surgery much easier. The principles of open surgery could be duplicated.

Pediatric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in a Referral Center: Lessons Learned

We present our first-year experience with pediatric transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (TLDP) in a large referral center. A chart review was conducted in 27 consecutive children (M:F 23:4) aged 4 to 17 years (mean 9.7 years) with ureteropelvic junction obstruction who underwent TLDP (21 on the left, 6 on the right) in 2005. The key steps implemented to facilitate and streamline this procedure were: (1) clamping the Foley catheter before surgery to distend the renal pelvis and facilitate the transmesenteric approach; (2) stabilizing the renal pelvis with a traction suture; (3) performing the dismembered pyeloplasty using a modified double-armed suture; and (4) placing the ureteral stent percutaneously antegrade before completing the anastomosis. Operative time, hospital stay, complications, and follow-up radiologic studies were reviewed. The TLDP was performed with no open conversions. Crossing vessels and horseshoe kidney were present in 8 patients and 2 patients, respectively. The mean operative time was 221 minutes. Stent insertion was successful in all but one patient. Postoperative pain management was successful in all 27 patients. There were 4 postoperative complications (14.8%) consisting of prolonged leakage in two, obstruction in one, and obstruction with pyelonephritis in one. These last two complications occurred early in our experience and were treated successfully by percutaneous nephrostomy with subsequent retrograde endopyelotomy. The average hospital stay was 2.1 days (range 1-4 days). Radiologic studies 8 to 20 months after removal of the Double-J stents showed reduction of the degree of hydronephrosis in all patients. Our 1-year experience with TLDP gave us the opportunity to implement key steps to establish a standardized technique for this procedure. Although the follow-up period was short, most complications occurred early in this series, demonstrating that a learning curve is inevitable.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a transatlantic comparison of techniques and outcomes

To report a comparison of two techniques of robotically assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (RALDP), and their associated outcomes, for treating pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO), evaluating the potential differences in the initial 50 cases of two centres in North America and Europe. Between November 2001 and August 2005, 100 patients had transperitoneal RALDP for PUJO in one centre in the USA (group 1) and one in France (group 2). Group 1 consisted of 50 patients (30 males and 20 females, mean age 31 years, range 16-62) and group 2 of 50 patients (17 males and 32 females, one bilateral PUJO; mean age 39 years, range 17-81). The right side was affected in 30 (60%) patients in group 1 and 32 (64%) in group 2. Differences in preoperative evaluation, surgical technique and follow-up were evaluated. In group 1 all procedures were completed laparoscopically. One conversion was necessary in group 2 due to technical difficulties. The mean operative duration was 122 min (group 1) and 127 min (group 2); the estimated blood loss was negligible (<100 mL) in both groups. Surgical findings included 15 patients with crossing vessels in group 1 and 28 in group 2. There were no peri-operative complications in either group. The mean hospital stay was 1.1 days in group 1 and 5.8 days in group 2, reflecting differences in practice patterns. All patients were asymptomatic at stent removal and in subsequent clinical evaluations in both groups. The combination of results form both series provide information suggesting that the robotically assisted approach is a viable treatment option. The results reflect some differences in techniques, follow-up and practice patterns, but the outcomes were equally effective on both continents. Further follow-up will allow us to determine the long-term efficacy.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible for lower pole pelvi-ureteric obstruction in duplex systems

Exclusive lower pole pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) in double collecting systems in children is a rare condition requiring reconstructive surgery. We report on the feasibility of laparoscopic transabdominal dismembered pyeloplasty in two cases. Two children with duplicated collecting systems presented with hydronephrosis of lower pole moiety due to exclusive PUJO. Isotope renography revealed impaired drainage of affected lower kidney pole. A four-trocar transabdominal technique was used. No stent was used in one patient with bilateral duplication (male, 6 years) while a 4 Fr. double-J stent was placed laparoscopically in another with unilateral duplication (male, 9 months). Both patients had uneventful laparoscopic transabdominal dismembered pyeloplasty. The operation time was 115 and 155 min, respectively, and was comparable to our previously reported patient series undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty for singular collecting systems. After a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 12-42), both patients were asymptomatic and showed improved pelvi-ureteric drainage on isotope renography and improved hydronephrosis on ultrasound scan. Laparoscopic transabdominal dismembered pyeloplasty is safe and effective in children with rare lower pole PUJO in double collecting systems.

Usefulness of Short-Term Retrievable Ureteral Stent in Pediatric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

Methods of stenting after laparoscopic pyeloplasty have included indwelling Double-J stents and percutaneous nephrostomy tubes. The disadvantages of these methods are that they necessitate a second surgery for stent removal or require an external drainage bag. To circumvent these issues, the tolerance, safety and outcomes of using a Double-J ureteral stent with a dangler, permitting early office removal, was investigated in a series of pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasties. Medical records from a consecutive series of pediatric patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasties were reviewed. Indications for surgery included ipsilateral flank pain with severe hydronephrosis (12 patients), recurrent pyelonephritis with severe hydronephrosis (2), and hematuria and flank pain (6). All patients were discharged home within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure with prophylactic oral antibiotics. The stent was removed by postoperative day 18 during a followup office visit. Patient tolerance of the indwelling stent, outpatient removal and success of pyeloplasty were assessed. A total of 20 patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty by 1 surgeon (LAB) between 2001 and 2005. All patients underwent cystoscopy and retrograde Double-J ureteral stent placement before pyeloplasty under the same anesthesia. Mean patient age at operation was 11.3 years (median 11.3, range 4.6 to 17.2). Stents were left indwelling for a mean of 10.3 days (median 10, range 7 to 18). All patients tolerated the Double-J stent well, with 2 requiring anticholinergic therapy for mild urgency symptoms and 1 demonstrating urinary tract infection. All patients tolerated outpatient stent removal via the dangler at the office without discomfort. One patient was lost to followup. At a mean followup of 1.04 years (range 0.1 to 2.88) 17 of 19 patients (89%) had resolution of flank pain/urinary tract infections, with sonographic improvement in hydronephrosis with or without endoscopic intervention. Six patients (30%) had flank pain with or without continuous hydronephrosis and required re-stenting, and 3 also required balloon dilation. Of these 6 patients 2 (10%) had recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction and required open pyeloplasty. All patients are now clinically and radiologically unobstructed and asymptomatic. Pediatric transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty with indwelling Double-J ureteral stent with a dangler is successful and the stent is well tolerated. Whether the duration of ureteral stenting affects the surgical success will require further controlled long-term studies.

Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty in Children Younger Than 2 Years

Since the first laparoscopic pyeloplasty was described in a child in 1995, there have been several reports of pyeloplasty in older children. However, to date there have been few reports of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infants and toddlers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children younger than 2 years. All laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties performed in children younger than 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction was confirmed on renal sonography and diuretic renogram. Laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed via a transperitoneal route as originally described, with key modifications. All children were investigated with postoperative diuretic renogram and renal ultrasonography. A total of 38 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty between January 2001 and December 2005. Of these patients 11 (7 males and 4 females) were younger than 2 years at surgery (median 1.4, range 2 to 22 months) and 1 had bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, for a total of 12 primary repairs. However, 2 patients (17%) required redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty, for a total of 14 laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties in this age group. Operative time ranged from 70 to 140 minutes (mean 100) and median hospital stay was 2 days. Followup studies showed normal drainage in all patients except 1, who after redo pyeloplasty exhibited significantly improved but still prolonged drainage. This study suggests that laparoscopic pyeloplasty can now be performed in young children with good results.

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Dismembered Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

To review the outcome of transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (LDP) in our institution. From April 2001 to April 2005, 36 men and 34 women underwent LDP for symptomatic and radiologically proved ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. A successful outcome was defined clinically by improvement in symptoms and objectively by improvement in the diuretic renography study performed at 3 and 12 months after reconstruction. The mean operative time was 160.5 +/- 45 minutes with a mean blood loss of 77.8 +/- 52.8 mL. There were no conversions to open surgery. Lower-pole vessels were observed in 38 patients (54.3%). In all cases, the ureter was transposed anteriorly. The mean hospital stay was 3.3 +/- 2.1 days. Postoperative complications were recorded in 4 patients (5.7%). One patient developed an anastomotic stricture. A successful outcome was achieved in 68 of the 70 patients (97.1%) at a mean follow-up of 27.6 +/- 13.2 months. Our results further strengthen the evidence that LDP has a reliable medium-term outcome with the added benefit of being minimally invasive.