Treatment Of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Research Articles

Pediatric Robotic Pyeloplasty with Prepyeloplasty Retrograde Stent Placement Using the HIdES Technique and 8 mm Instruments

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) is becoming increasingly more utilized in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. Although many center...

31 - Prognostic factors of laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: A pilot study

31 - Prognostic factors of laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: A pilot study

Transperitoneal Mini-Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Flank Position: A Safe Method for Infants and Young Adults.

Introduction and Objectives Open dismembered pyeloplasty has been the gold standard treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) is becoming a standard procedure, but its acceptance is slow. We report our method for minilaparoscopy (MLP) in children using a tansperitoneal approach with the patient in the lateral flank decubitus which we found technically advantageous. Materials and MethodsRetrospective review of the records of 52 children and adolescents up to 18 years of age who underwent transperitoneal MLP at our institution during March 2012–October 2017 A 5 mm trocar is placed for the camera at the site of the umblicus by open technique, two 3 mm trocars placed in the upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen. No additional ports were necessary. 20cm long, 3-mm-diameter instruments are used. Few cases needed percutaneous fixation of the pelvis. The anastomosis is performed with 5–0 or 6–0 Polyglecaprone 25 (Monocryl®) with 13 mm half circle needle (TF plus) suture cut to 12–14 cm length and introduced through the 5-mm port. Needles are removed through the 3-mm port under direct vision. Results Fifty-two children (53 renal units) with a mean age of 82 months (range 3.5–204), a mean weight of 24,35 kg (range 7–57), and a mean follow-up of 20,44 months (6–60). Nine children were younger than 12 months, and 14 were ≤10kg. Six patients were >50kg. The mean of preoperative grade of dilatation was III (SFU scale) and postoperatively improved to SFU 0,60 (0–2). In 50 (94,3%) of the cases, there was complete resolution of hydronephrosis. There was no conversions to open surgery. Three patients suffered complications Clavien-Dindo Classification IIIb, 2 omental prolapses through a port site in two children which required general anaesthesia and one percutaneous drainage due to a leakage. No reinterventions related to stent complications or obstruction were found. Mean hospital stay was 4,69 (3–14) days. Conclusions The method of mini LP described here has proven efficient and safe. Weight appeared not to be limitation for both groups ≤10 and >50 kg.

Comparison between open and laproscopic pyeloplasty in Al-Diwaniya Teaching Hospital

Background: Historically open pyeloplasty has been regarded as the gold standard for the surgical management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). The treatment of this condition has evolved considerably over the past two decades resulting in new surgical approaches. One of these approaches is laparoscopic pyeloplasty,this technique aimed to achieve the same results as open surgery,with lower rates of morbidity and complications. Aim of the study: To compare the operative time,hospital stay,analgesic use,perioperative complications,and success rate between laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty in Al Diwaniya Teaching Hospital. Patients & Methods: From October 2014 to October 2016,40 patients (26 males and 14 females) with Ureteropelvic junction obstruction who had been admitted to the urology unit of Al Diwaniya Teaching Hospital were enrolled in this study. Their ages ranged from 10 to 44 years with a mean age of 24 years. The patients were selected on the basis of standard indications for PUJO repair. The patients were assigned into two groups. Twenty patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty and 20 patients underwent open surgery. The choice between the two types of operation was selected according to surgeon's preference (only surgeon who has enough experience with laparoscopic surgeries perform laparoscopic pyeloplasty,while the other performed open surgery). Preoperative evaluations were done using abdominal ultrasound and IVP. Laboratory tests included urinalysis,urine culture,blood urea,and serum creatinine. Blood group was determined. We compared the operative time,complications rates,hospital stay and success rate of the two groups.Mean operative time was 2 hours and 3 hours in open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty groups,respectively. Mean hospital stay was shorter (24 hours) in the laparoscopic group and (48 hours) in open group. Mean follow-up period was 9 months. Postoperative complication rates were 20 % and 30 % in laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty groups,respectively. Success rates were 95% and 90 % for open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty groups,respectively. Repeated surgery was performed in 2 patients of laparoscopy and 1 of open pyeloplasty groups due to recurrence of stricture.The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic pyeloplasty is comparable to that of open pyeloplasty,with better cosmetic results and shorter hospital stay,therefore laparoscopic pyeloplasty can replace open surgery and may be considered the gold standard technique for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in expert hands.

Urinary antimicrobial peptides: Potential novel biomarkers of obstructive uropathy

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have historically been evaluated for their role in protecting against uropathogens. However, there is mounting evidence to support their expression in noninfectious injury, with unclear meaning as to their function. It is possible that AMPs represent urothelial injury. Urinary tract obstruction is known to alter the urothelium; however, AMPs have not been evaluated for expression in this noninfectious injury. A pilot study to compare urinary AMP expression in children undergoing surgical intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with nonobstructed controls. Bladder urine was collected from consenting/assenting pediatric patients with UPJO at intervention. Control bladder urines were obtained from age-matched and sex-matched healthy children without known obstruction or infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were run for the following AMPs: β defense 1 (BD-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), cathelicidin (LL-37), hepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreas/pancreatitis-associated protein (HIP/PAP), and human α defensin 5 (HD-5); and normalized to urine creatinine. Results were analyzed with Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, when appropriate, and receiver operating characteristic curves. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Thirty bladder urine samples were obtained from children with UPJO at the time of decompressive intervention. Mean patient age was 4.7 years (range 0.3-18.4); 20 (67%) patients were male. Fifteen bladder urine samples were obtained from age-matched and sex-matched controls. Urinary AMP levels were significantly higher in UPJO patients than controls for BD-1 (P=0.015), NGAL (P<0.001), LL-37 (P<0.001), and HIP/PAP (P=0.046). Optimal threshold values of these AMPs were determined, with each demonstrating significant odds ratios of predicting urinary obstruction. Certain urinary AMPs are altered even in noninfectious urinary tract pathology. This represents a novel induction of AMP expression, as the current study is the first to report elevations in BD-1 and HIP/PAP in urinary tract obstruction. This suggests other roles for these AMPs outside of their antimicrobial properties, and likely is a reflection of the urothelial and tubular stress resulting from obstructive uropathy. Induction of AMPs BD-1, NGAL, LL-37, and HIP/PAP was found to occur in urinary tract obstruction. Further evaluation of AMP expression as a biomarker of uroepithelial injury outside of infection is indicated.

Percutaneous retropelvic endopyelotomy for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Purpose:A new minimally invasive approach for endopyelotomy for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is described. The results are compared with those of other lines of treatment.Materials and Methods:A total of 39 patients with UPJO underwent percutaneous retropelvic endopyelotomy. Retrograde percutaneous renal access, using the Lawson catheter and deflecting guidewire, was done for creation of the nephrostomy tract. Using holmium laser through a 28-Fr nephroscope, a small window was made in the posterolateral surface of the renal pelvis. The nephroscope was advanced from the renal pelvis to the retropelvic space through that window. Crossing vessels were easily detected and were either coagulated or avoided. The window incision was extended distally, and the narrow ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) was incised using holmium laser.Results:The entire procedure was done in the supine position within 1 h. The presence of secondary stones, hugely dilated renal pelvis, high insertion of the UPJ, and whether UPJO was primary or secondary, did not alter the results. The only factor that affected the results was split function of the obstructed renal unit. The success rate was 100% when the split function exceeded 35%. When the split function was <35%, the success rate dropped to 56%.Conclusion:Percutaneous retropelvic endopyelotomy is a promising approach for the treatment of UPJO that gave favorable results. The use of the nephroscope provided a wide visual field. The wide-field facilitated detection of crossing blood vessels with no incident of vascular injury. It also facilitated endopyelotomy with high precision. Ureteral injury was not a risk factor.

The Comparative Effectiveness of Treatments for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

To examine the effectiveness of the 3 primary treatments for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (ie, open pyeloplasty, minimally invasive pyeloplasty, and endopyelotomy) as assessed by failure rates. Using MarketScan data, we identified adults (ages 18-64 years) who underwent treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction between 2002 and 2010. Our primary outcome was failure (ie, need for a secondary procedure). We fit a Cox proportional hazards model to examine the effects of different patient, regional, and provider characteristics on treatment failure. We then implemented a survival analysis framework to examine the failure-free probability for each treatment. We identified 1125 minimally invasive pyeloplasties, 775 open pyeloplasties, and 1315 endopyelotomies with failure rates of 7%, 9%, and 15%, respectively. Compared with endopyelotomy, minimally invasive pyeloplasty was associated with a lower risk of treatment failure (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.69). Minimally invasive and open pyeloplasties had similar failure rates. Compared with open pyeloplasty, endopyelotomy was associated with a higher risk of treatment failure (aHR 1.78; 95% CI, 1.33-2.37). The average length of stay was 2.7 days for minimally invasive pyeloplasty and 4.2 days for open pyeloplasty (P <.001). Endopyelotomy has the highest failure rate, yet it remains a common treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Future research should examine to what extent patients and physicians are driving the use of endopyelotomy.

Re: Variation in the Use of Open Pyeloplasty, Minimally Invasive Pyeloplasty, and Endopyelotomy for the Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adults.

No AccessJournal of UrologyUrological Survey1 Oct 2017Re: Variation in the Use of Open Pyeloplasty, Minimally Invasive Pyeloplasty, and Endopyelotomy for the Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adults Jeffrey A. CadedduMD Jeffrey A. CadedduJeffrey A. Cadeddu More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.06.087AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Re: Variation in the Use of Open Pyeloplasty, Minimally Invasive Pyeloplasty, and Endopyelotomy for the Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adults." The Journal of Urology, 198(4), pp. 726–727 © 2017 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 198Issue 4October 2017Page: 726-727 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jeffrey A. Cadeddu More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

RETROPERITONEAL LAPAROSCOPIC DISMEMBERED PYELOPLASTY FOR URETEROPELVIC JUNCTION OBSTRUCTION (UPJO)

Objective: To share our experience of retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty as the treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO) in Department of Urology, Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung. Material &amp; Methods: Boy 8 years old came for a chance to relieve mass at both flank region especially at left flank region. From the ultrasonography there were bilateral hydronephrosis. We decided to urethrocystoscopy, bilateral ureteral catether insertion, bilateral retrograd pyelography guided with c-arm and left retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. Results: Operative time was 240 minutes and blood loss was about 200cc. Double J Stent was used for ureteral stenting. Parenteral ketorolac was given as needed to control the pain. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) post operative day 1 until 4 were6, 4,, 2, 2 respectively. Urethral catheter was removed at post operative day 2 and drain was removed at post operative day 3. Operating wound was good. Patient was hospitalization until post operative day 4. Left nephrostomy was removed at postoperative day 7 after there was no leakage, confirmed with left antegrad pyelography. From post operative ultrasonography we found that hydronephrosis at left kidney became almost normal. Conclusion: In our opinion that the retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is an alternative treatment for UPJO. This procedure depends on experience and pristine surgical tehnique from the surgeon

The Watertightness of the Anastomosis After Laparoscopic or Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty: Is a Drainage Necessary?

To determine whether or not temporary drainage is necessary immediately following laparoscopic (lap) and robot-assisted (rob) pyeloplasty (PP). Of 99 patients undergoing lap PP (n = 23) or rob PP (n = 76) for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), 52 had no drainage, 47 were given an "easy-flow" drain (EFD). The volume of leaking urine (in mL) was defined as the volume of drainage fluid (in mL) × creatinine concentration in drainage fluid (in μmol/mL)/median urine creatinine concentration (in μmol/mL). An anastomosis was considered to be leaking if the volume of leaking urine exceeded 5 mL/24 hours. During follow-up the PP success rate was evaluated based on clinical symptoms, intravenous urography and diuretic renography for detection of persisting obstruction. Median creatinine concentration in drainage fluid was 90 μmol/L (range 44-6270 μmol/L) in a median volume of 84 mL (range 5-1400 mL) drained fluid in 24 hours. The median leaking urine volume was 1.18 mL (range 0.07-291.34 mL), a leaking anastomosis was diagnosed in 5/47 (11%) patients. In patients with EFD and without EFD, complications occurred in 15% and 8% (p = 0.342), respectively, with success rates of 98% and 100% (p = 0.475). Complications (Clavien I-III) occurred in 4/42 (9.5%) patients with watertight and in 3/5 (60%) patients with leaking anastomosis (p = 0.019). No statistically significant differences were noted between lap PP and rob PP patients regarding complication and success rates. Lap PP and rob PP were primary watertight in 89% of all patients. A primary leaking anastomosis had no influence on PP outcome, but was associated with a higher risk of complications. However, neither the success rate nor the complication rate differed between drained and undrained patients. We conclude, therefore, that drainage is not necessary.

Technology Based Treatment for UreteroPelvic Junction Obstruction.

Surgical management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) has historically been performed with open pyeloplasty. With the advent of endourology, laparoscopy, and robotics, minimally-invasive techniques have been described and accepted as alternatives to open surgery. Each of these approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages, equipment needs, degree of invasiveness, and experience of the treating urologist. Advocates and critics have their own say as to their preferred technique. In this article, we review the chronological evolution of these techniques and discuss their current role in the management of UPJO.

Cost Analysis of Treatments for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a common urologic condition that accounts for approximately $12 million in inpatient spending annually. Few studies have assessed the costs related to treatment. We sought to examine the cost of care for patients treated for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We used the MarketScan® database to identify adults from 18 to 64 years old treated with minimally invasive pyeloplasty, open pyeloplasty, and endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction between 2002 and 2010. Our primary outcome was total expenditures related to the surgical episode, defined as the period from 30 days prior until 30 days after the index surgery. We fit a multinomial linear regression model to evaluate cost of the surgical episode, adjusting for age, gender, comorbidity, benefit plan type, and region of residence. We identified 1251 endopyelotomies, 717 open pyeloplasties, and 1048 minimally invasive pyeloplasties. The adjusted mean costs were $16,379 for endopyelotomy, $22,421 for open pyeloplasty, and $22,843 for minimally invasive pyeloplasty (p < 0.0001, ANCOVA). Both open and minimally invasive pyeloplasties were more costly than endopyelotomy (both p < 0.0001, comparison between groups). However, the cost of open and minimally invasive pyeloplasties was similar (p = 0.57, comparison between groups). Among the three treatments, endopyelotomy was the least expensive in the immediate perioperative period. Open and minimally invasive pyeloplasties were similar in cost, but both more expensive than endopyelotomies. The similar cost between the two pyeloplasty approaches provides additional evidence that minimally invasive pyeloplasty should be considered the standard treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Variation in the Use of Open Pyeloplasty, Minimally Invasive Pyeloplasty, and Endopyelotomy for the Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adults.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a common condition that can be treated with open pyeloplasty, minimally invasive pyeloplasty, and endopyelotomy. While all these treatments are effective, the extent to which they are used is unclear. We sought to examine the dissemination of these treatments. Using the MarketScan® database, we identified adults 18 to 64 years old who underwent treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction between 2002 and 2010. Our primary outcome was ureteropelvic junction obstruction treatment (i.e., open pyeloplasty, minimally invasive pyeloplasty, endopyelotomy). We fit a multilevel multinomial logistic regression model accounting for patients nested within providers to examine several factors associated with treatment. Rates of minimally invasive pyeloplasty increased 10-fold, while rates of open pyeloplasty decreased by over 40%, and rates of endopyelotomy were relatively stable. Factors associated with receiving an open vs a minimally invasive pyeloplasty were largely similar. Compared with endopyelotomy, patients receiving minimally invasive pyeloplasty were less likely to be older (odds ratio [OR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95, 0.97) and live in the south (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33, 0.81) and west regions (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33, 0.98) compared with the northeast and were more likely to live in metropolitan statistical areas (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.08, 2.13). Over this 9-year period, the landscape of ureteropelvic junction obstruction treatment has changed dramatically. Further research is needed to understand why geographic factors were associated with receiving a minimally invasive pyeloplasty or an endopyelotomy.

Influence of scars on body image consciousness with respect to gender following laparoendoscopic single-site versus conventional laparoscopic surgery

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cosmetic outcomes of laparoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and conventional laparoscopy (CL) in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and urachal remnant removal. LESS is thought to produce better cosmetic results than CL; however, patients’ perception of their scars has not been assessed. This study compared the subjective body image and cosmesis ratings of patients who had undergone LESS or CL for UPJO and urachal remnant removal.Materials and methods: Fifty patients who underwent LESS or CL for UPJO or urachal remnant removal between June 2008 and June 2015 were included. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated using the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ) and Photo-Series Questionnaire (PSQ).Results: The body image and cosmetic scores were significantly higher for patients who underwent LESS than for those who underwent CL, for both pyeloplasty and urachal remnant removal (p < .05 each). When performed for either a pyeloplasty or urachal remnant removal, significantly greater BIQ and PSQ scores were observed in females after LESS compared to CL, but not in males.Conclusion: LESS for UPJO and urachal remnant removal has better self-reported body image and cosmesis ratings than CL. This trend is particularly strong in female patients.

Retrograde Endopyelotomy with Cutting Balloon™ for Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Infants.

The aim of this study is to analyze results of retrograde endopyelotomy with cutting balloon for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in infants. We routinely treat patients with UPJO under 18 months of age with retrograde high-pressure balloon dilatation of the pelviureteric junction (PUJ). During the procedure, in these cases where narrowing at the PUJ persists, endopyelotomy with cutting balloon is performed. Endopyelotomy is performed over guidewire with 5-mm Cutting Balloon™ under fluoroscopic control. Double-J stents is left in situ for 4 weeks. We retrospectively analyzed the postoperative, clinical, and radiological outcome infants treated with cutting balloon endopyelotomy between 2007 and 2015. Sixteen patients required cutting balloon endopyelotomy to achieve complete resolution of narrowing of the waist observed during high-pressure balloon dilatation of the PUJ. Mean operative time was 35 ± 21 min (mean ± SD) and hospital stay was <24 h in all patients. Complete resolution of the narrowing at the PUJ under fluoroscopy was achieved in all cases, with no perioperative complications. One patient presented with urinary tract infection, postoperatively (Clavien grade II). Preoperatively, all cases had grade IV SFU hydronephrosis with parenchymal thinning. During follow-up, resolution of the hydronephrosis was observed in 11 patients (grade I SFU). In four infants, there was an improvement of the hydronephrosis (grade II SFU) and the renogram curve. In one case, an open pyeloplasty was required due to persistent hydronephrosis and obstructive curve. We believe that endopyelotomy with cutting balloon could be a valid and safe option in minimally invasive management of UPJO in infants.

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Always Dismembered?

To compare three laparoscopic surgical techniques for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), assessing their difficulty, operating time, effectiveness, and complications. The clinical histories of 54 patients with UPJO who underwent a laparoscopic procedure between June 2003 and September 2013 were reviewed. Anderson-Hynes (A-H) pyeloplasty was performed on 34 patients, nondismembered pyeloplasty on 11 cases (8 Y-V Foley plasty and 3 Fenger plasty), and cephalad vascular displacement or Hellström technique (HT) on 9 patients. The patients were selected for the different techniques depending on the findings during the procedures, according to renal pelvic size and the presence of crossing vessels. We compared the techniques according to intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Complications were interpreted following the Clavien-Dindo classification. The success rate was defined as the absence of clinical symptoms and normal diuretic renography. Analysis of variance and chi-square tests were used for the statistical analysis. Mean follow-up was 55.58 months. The success rate achieved was 88.5% for A-H pyeloplasty, 90.9% for nondismembered pyeloplasty, and 100% for HT (p > 0.05). HT was the least time-consuming: 124 ± 30 vs 202 ± 44 minutes of A-H pyeloplasty and 147 ± 27 minutes of nondismembered plasty (p < 0.005). Mean hospital stay was 6.7 ± 1.4 days for A-H pyeloplasty, 6.6 ± 2 days for nondismembered pyeloplasty, and 3.42 ± 1.5 days for HT (p < 0.05). The postoperative complication rate was 21.1% for A-H pyeloplasty, 18.8% for nondismembered pyeloplasty, and 12.5% for HT (p > 0.05). None of the cases required open surgery, and urinary fistula was the most frequent complication. Intraoperative observation of ureteropelvic junction allows selecting cases to undergo nondismembered pyeloplasty techniques, achieving similar results to A-H pyeloplasty, reducing operating time, complication rate, and hospital stay.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children and adolescents

Background Open pyeloplasty has been the gold standard for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children and young adolescents. However, the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of pyeloplasty is increasing as it has the potential to provide a better and more desirable cosmetic outcome in addition to less postoperative pain and decreased recovery time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty (TLP) for the treatment of UPJO in children and young adolescents. Patients and methods Twenty-nine patients with UPJO with 32 renal units were subjected to TLP at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Egypt, during the period from May 2008 to December 2012. The outcome measurements of this study included operative time, internal stent placement, hospital stay, intraoperative complications, and success rates. Success is defined as both symptomatic relief and radiographic resolution of hydronephrosis at the last follow-up. Patients were followed up with intravenous urography and diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid scan at 3, 6, and 12 months regularly for both functional and morphological outcomes. Results The study included 29 patients (12 male and 17female) with 32 obstructed renal units. The mean age was 4.23 ± 2.1 years (range 3–16 years). All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion. The mean operative time was 143.41 ±23 min (range 110–220 min). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.1 days (range 3–8 days). All patients achieved full recovery without any complications. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 36.34± 5.18 months (range 22–60 months). Success rate was 96.9%. Only one case developed recurrent UPJO and was treated with retrograde endopyelotomy and stenting. Conclusion TLP has the advantages of less postoperative pain, short hospital stay, and rapid recovery, with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. However, it requires advanced skill level for intracorporeal suturing and knot tying. Keywords: children, laparoscopy, long-term results, pyeloplasty, ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Evaluation of Renal Histopathological Changes, as a Predictor of Recoverability of Renal Function Following Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

Background:Pyeloplasty is a widely accepted treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). However, the renal function recoverability after pyeloplasty is still a matter of debate. Different parameters have been used to predict renal functional recoverability after corrective surgery, with conflicting results.Objectives:In this study, renal biopsy was carried on a series of cases of UPJO, during pyeloplasty, to study the extent of histological alterations in renal parenchyma, as a result of obstruction, and its predictive value in renal function recoverability after pyeloplasty.Patients and Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the renal biopsy obtained during pyeloplasty in 53 adult patients. Histopathological changes were graded on a scale of 1 to 3, according to their severity, and compared with the differential renal function (DRF) revealed on the preoperative and postoperative follow up diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) renal scan. A Fischer’s t test was used to evaluate statistical differences between values.Results:This study showed a linear relationship between the severity of histological changes and renal function recovery, after pyeloplasty. Out of 24 obstructed renal units (ORU), with minimal histopathological changes (grade I), 21 ORU (87.5%), with > 35% DRF preoperatively, showed significant improvement in renal function after 12 months of pyeloplasty (P < 0.05). On the other hand, all kidneys (n = 29) with moderate to severe obstructive changes (grade II and III) had minimal improvement in DRF, after pyeloplasty, which was clinically insignificant (P > 0.05). Renal function deterioration after pyeloplasty was not observed in any of the cases.Conclusions:The severity of pathological changes in renal parenchyma, due to UPJO, is a good predictor of renal function recoverability, after pyeloplasty. The ORUs, with DRF > 35%, usually have normal (grade I) renal biopsy and might be expected to present better functional recoverability after pyeloplasty.

Laparoscopic treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in five pediatric cases of pelvic kidneys

Ectopic kidney is a rare urologic condition and may be revealed by ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children, with pelvic kidney being the most common location. Our experience using a minimally invasive approach to treat UPJO by dismembered pyeloplasty led us to report five cases of UPJO with pelvic kidney operated on by transperitoneal laparoscopy, focusing on medium-term follow-up results and surgical technique. From 1999 to 2010, we reviewed all cases of UPJO managed in our center, a total of 391 patients. Among those, 125 patients were operated on via a minimal invasive approach, 104 by retroperitoneoscopy, and 21 by transperitoneal laparoscopy. Five patients presented ectopic pelvic kidney and were retrospectively reviewed. US-scan and uro-MRI were done preoperatively in all cases for anatomic and functional evaluation. Peri-operative data such as operative time, transfusion, and complications were reported. At last clinic, sonographic and functional evaluation was noted. Focusing on surgical technique, we reported the tips and tricks to successfully and easily perform the dismembered pyeloplasty: optimization of the trocars' location according to the kidney location and use of a transparietal stay stitch to stabilize the suture line of the pyeloplasty. All five patients underwent dismembered pyeloplasty, at a mean age of 8 years and a mean weight of 23.4kg. Mean operative time was 213min (min-max: 180-245). One case of giant hydronephrosis and megacalicosis required conversion at the beginning of the learning curve. None of the patients required blood transfusion. Mean hospital stay was 2.4 days (range: 1-4). All the patients had an uneventful postoperative recovery and good postoperative functional results, with either stable or improved pelvic dilatation and renal function at a mean follow-up of 3.3 years (range: 2-5.6). This small series of five ectopic kidneys reflects the surgical challenge for the pediatric surgeon to perform reconstructive surgery on an abnormal anatomy. However, increasing experience in robotics in urologic pediatric surgery may lead to shortening of operative time and facilitate both dissection and suturing. Dismembered pyeloplasty by transperitoneal laparoscopy is a feasible although technically demanding, safe and effective approach in the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in pelvic kidney in children.

Contemporary National Surgical Outcomes in the Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

To evaluate contemporary national trends and outcomes of open pyeloplasty (OP) vs minimally invasive pyeloplasty (MIP) in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients treated by OP or MIP between 2006 and 2011 were identified by The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes corresponding to pyeloplasty as their primary operative procedure. Perioperative variables were analyzed using the chi-square and the Student t test. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify morbidities and readmission risk factors. Three hundred fifty-five patients were identified. Of them, 20.2% of cases were OP and 79.8% were MIP. There was a significant increase in MIP from 33% in 2006 to 83% in 2011 (P <.001). A total of 11.7% of patients in the MIP group underwent outpatient surgery (P = .002). Patients treated at a teaching hospital were over 3 times more likely to undergo MIP (odds ratio = 3.17; P = .001). There was significantly longer hospitalization in OP vs MIP (3.9 vs. 2.2 days; P = .001). OP was associated with significantly increased risk of reoperation or postoperative morbidity compared with MIP (11.1% vs. 4.2%; P = .02). Multivariate analysis confirmed a higher rate of overall morbidity in the OP cohort (P = .03). Male patients had significantly higher postoperative morbidity or reoperation rates (odds ratio = 4.38; P = .002). There was no significant difference in operative time between groups (P = .2). Within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program hospitals, MIP is associated with decreased reoperation and postoperative morbidity compared with OP.