Laparoscopic transperitoneal partial nephrectomy in children under 2 years old: a single-centre experience

Comparison of proximal and distal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for complete duplex kidneys in children

OBJECTIVE

To compare efficacy of proximal and distal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (UU) for complete duplex kidneys in children.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic UU for complete duplex kidneys between December 2016 and July 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. 71 patients who had normal lower pole moiety without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were recruited. All of them underwent ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), renal scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance urography preoperatively. Proximal laparoscopic UU was performed in 35 patients and distal laparoscopic UU in 36 patients. Double J stents were placed in normal lower pole moieties. Clinical data, including general information, diagnosis, surgical management, imaging characteristics, clinical symptoms and postoperative complications (classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification), and length of stay were recorded. Measurement date comparisons between groups were performed by t test, counting date were analyzed by chi-square test.

RESULTS

The study consisted of 71 patients (56 females and 15 males) with complete duplex kidneys (41 in left kidney and 30 in right kidney). The patients' mean age was 34 m (range 3-161 m) and follow-up ranged from 25 to 81 m. No significant difference was found in age and follow-up time between the two groups. Laparoscopic UU was performed in all patients successfully. The operation time of the two groups was 108.42 ± 26.95 min for distal UU vs 121.46 ± 35.15 min for proximal UU(p = 0.14). No significant difference in postoperative complications was seen between the two groups (22.2% vs 31.4%, p = 0.345). However, in terms of the grading of postoperative complications, the proximal UU group had a higher grade (3 of them had a grade of IV) and more serious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of complications between distal and proximal UU. Compared with proximal laparoscopic UU, distal laparoscopic UU is easier to perform with less injury to the peripheral tissues. Postoperative complications of proximal UU are more serious and more difficult to manage. We recommend complete duplex kidney ureteral reconstruction with distal UU.

The place of retroperitoneoscopic hemi-nephroureterectomy for duplex kidney in children; risk of damage to the remnant moiety and strategies to reduce the risk

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the outcomes of retroperitoneoscopic upper and lower moiety hemi-nephroureterectomy (HNU) and to assess the different variables that may have an impact on outcome; remnant moiety damage, morbidity and the need for secondary surgery.

METHODS

Prospectively recorded data of retroperitoneoscopic HNU's performed by a single surgeon from 2005 to 2018 were analysed. Patients were split into 2 groups according to moiety affected (UMHNU and LMHNU). Clinical presentation, underlying pathology, remnant moiety DRF on renal scintigraphy, and need for further surgery were recorded. Detailed operation notes were studied regards to renal vasculature, degree of dilatation, inflammatory changes and operative difficulties encountered. Renal loss was defined as remnant moiety DRF <10% post-operatively. Change in DRF was assessed regards to the moiety, pathology and age at surgery (<1 year, 1-2 years and ≥2 years). UMHNU group was further sub-divided into 3 subgroups: ureteroceles, ectopic ureters and 'other' pathology. Statistical analysis was performed using Fishers Exact test; findings were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

78 operations met the inclusion criteria on 75 patients (3 bilateral). There were no conversions to open, and 67% were performed as day-case procedures (53/78 patients). In 91.2% (71/78) patients the procedure was definitive in resolving pathology and symptoms. 7 patients needed further procedures after HNU, 5 for ureterocele/ureteric stump. Overall, there was remnant moiety renal loss in 5.1% (4/78) patients, all with UM surgery (3 ectopic ureters and 1 ureterocele). All 4 operations were recorded prospectively as 'difficult operations' due to grossly dilated UM ureter/pelvis measuring >2 cm in diameter. 2 patients had a thinned out lower moiety (LM) sitting on top of the UM renal pelvis like a pancake with all vessels stretched over this dilated pelvis/ureter causing difficulty in accurate identification. There was intra-operative concern about some damage to LM vessels in 3 patients. Age <1year was also related to increased renal loss (2/8 patients <1 year, 1/25 patients 1-2 years, 1/45 patients ≥2 years of age P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneoscopic LMHNU is a safe and definitive procedure with rapid recovery and minimal scarring. UMHNU has higher rates of remnant moiety loss due to more complex renal pathology, but remains a safe, successful operation on the majority of patients. Renal damage was also related to age <1year (p = 0.005) and re-operation risk after UMHNU correlated to the presence of ureterocele (p = 0.003).

Unilateral T-shaped incomplete duplex nephrectomy in an adolescent under laparoscopy: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Duplicate kidneys are the most common congenital abnormality of the urinary system. The location of duplicate kidneys varies. We report a case of an adolescent with upper and lower kidneys that are arranged vertically and approximately T-shaped.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 16-year-old male teenager was examined for pain in the left side of the waist. The Computed Tomography scan revealed that the left kidney was incompletely duplicated and fused; the left upper urinary tract was incompletely obstructed.

DIAGNOSIS

The abdominal tomography confirmed the diagnosis of incomplete duplicate kidney.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery. The failure to ligate the renal pedicle resulted in increased bleeding during the operation and an open ureteral stump.

OUTCOMES

No urine leakage occurred after the operation. Doppler ultrasound of the urinary system showed no hydronephrosis, and the patient was asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Through this case report, we found that the duplicate kidneys could be arranged in a T-shape under laparoscopy. Although only the supply of the duplicate renal arteries can be ligated during surgical resection, the renal pedicle must also be ligated during the operation if there is a lot of bleeding.

Retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy in children: a multicentric international comparative study between lateral versus prone approach

BACKGROUND

Very limited informations are currently available about the best approach to perform retroperitoneoscopic surgery. This multicentric international study aimed to compare the outcome of lateral versus prone approach for retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in children.

METHODS

The records of 164 patients underwent RPN in 7 international centers of pediatric surgery over the last 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-one patients (42 girls and 19 boys, average age 3.8 years) were operated using lateral approach (G1), whereas 103 patients (66 girls and 37 boys, average age 3.0 years) underwent prone RPN (G2). The two groups were compared in regard to operative time, postoperative outcome, postoperative complications, and re-operations.

RESULTS

The average operative time was significantly shorter in G2 (99 min) compared to G1 (160 min) (p = 0.001). Only 2 lateral RPN required conversion to open surgery. There was no significant difference between the two groups as for intraoperative complications (G1:2/61, 3.3%; G2:6/103, 5.8%; p = 0.48), postoperative complications (G1:9/61, 14.7%; G2:17/103, 16.5%; p = 0.80), and re-operations (G1:2/61, 3.3%; G2:4/103, 3.8%; p = 0.85). Regarding postoperative complications, the incidence of symptomatic residual distal ureteric stumps (RDUS) was significantly higher in G2 (7/103, 6.8%) compared to G1 (1/61, 1.6%) (p = 0.001). Most re-operations (4/6, 66.6%) were performed to remove a RDUS .

CONCLUSIONS

Both lateral and prone approach are feasible and reasonably safe to perform RPN in children but the superiority of one approach over another is not still confirmed. Although prone technique resulted faster compared to lateral approach, the choice of the technique remains dependent on the surgeon's personal preference and experience. Our results would suggest that the lateral approach should be preferred to the prone technique when a longer ureterectomy is required, for example in cases of vesico-ureteral reflux into the affected kidney moiety, in order to avoid to leave a long ureteric stump that could become symptomatic and require a re-intervention.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy in pediatric population: A single-centre experience using a sealing device

INTRODUCTION

We sought to report the outcomes of transperitoneal laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy (LHNU) in pediatric population and to describe the technical details of this minimally invasive surgery.

METHODS

Seventeen pediatric patients (18 renal units), who had consecutive transperitoneal LHNU in our department between January 2012 and July 2017 were included in the study. In all patients, diagnostic cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography were carried out immediately before the operation. A catheter was inserted in the unaffected ureter and fixed. LHNU with a transperitoneal approach was carried out in all patients with the aid of LigaSure^®. After removal of the specimen, the intervention was finalized with the insertion of a drain. All intraoperative and postoperative data of the patients were recorded prospectively.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 55.9±35.8 months (range 8-121). The average duration of the operations was 121.7±24.0 minutes (range 100-200). The average hospitalization time was 1.6±0.4 days (range 1-2). No intraoperative complication occurred in our patients. The average followup period was 29.1±13.4 months (range 4-48). During the followup period, no complications were observed except one patient who had pyelonephritis within the first month of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Transperitoneal LHNU is a minimally invasive method that can be used safely in pediatric patients. Using a standardized technique during the procedure is critical to increase the success and decrease the complication rates.

Comparing oncologic outcomes after minimally invasive and open surgery for pediatric neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been widely adopted for common operations in pediatric surgery; however, its role in childhood tumors is limited by concerns about oncologic outcomes. We compared open and MIS approaches for pediatric neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor (WT) using a national database.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base from 2010 to 2012 was queried for cases of neuroblastoma and WT in children ≤21 years old. Children were classified as receiving open or MIS surgery for definitive resection, with clinical outcomes compared using a propensity matching methodology (two open:one MIS).

RESULTS

For children with neuroblastoma, 17% (98 of 579) underwent MIS, while only 5% of children with WT (35 of 695) had an MIS approach for tumor resection. After propensity matching, there was no difference between open and MIS surgery for either tumor for 30-day mortality, readmissions, surgical margin status, and 1- and 3-year survival. However, in both tumors, open surgery more often evaluated lymph nodes and had larger lymph node harvest.

CONCLUSION

Our retrospective review suggests that the use of MIS appears to be a safe method of oncologic resection for select children with neuroblastoma and WT. Further research should clarify which children are the optimal candidates for this approach.

Partial nephrectomy for small children: Robot-assisted versus open surgery

OBJECTIVES

To compare the outcomes of robot-assisted heminephrectomy for duplex kidney in children with those of open heminephrectomy.

METHODS

The present retrospective multicentric analysis reviewed the records of robot-assisted versus open heminephrectomy carried out for duplex kidney in children from 2007 to 2014. Demographic data, weight, surgical time, hospital stay, complications and outcome were recorded. Follow up was based on a clinical review, renal sonography and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients underwent robot-assisted heminephrectomy, and 13 patients underwent retroperitoneal heminephrectomy by open approach. All patients weighed <15 kg. The mean age at the time of surgery was 20.2 months (range 7-39 months) in the robotic group, and 18.4 months (range 6-41 months) in the open group. The mean hospital stay was statistically longer for the open surgery group (6.3 days, range 5-8 days vs 3.4 days, range 1-7 days; P < 0.001). Regarding postoperative pain control, total morphine equivalent intake was statistically greater for the open group (0.52 mg/kg/day vs 1.08 mg/kg/day; P < 0.001). No patient lost the remaining healthy moiety. There was no significant difference in terms of operating time, complication rate or renal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted heminephrectomy in small children seems to offer comparable renal outcomes with those of its standard open surgery counterpart. Specific technical adjustments are necessary, which typically increase the set-up time.

Retroperitoneal and laparoscopic heminephrectomy in duplex kidney in infants and children

BACKGROUND

Two main techniques are adopted to perform partial nephrectomy in children: laparoscopy and retroperitoneoscopy. The aim of this paper is to review the larger multicentric experience recently published by our group to review indications, techniques and results of both approaches.

METHODS

Data of 102 patients underwent partial nephrectomy in a 5-year period using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures were analyzed. Fifty-two children underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and 50 children underwent retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Median age at surgery was 4.2 years. Statistical analysis was performed using χ² test and Student's t-test.

RESULTS

The overall complications rate was significantly higher after RPN (15/50, 30%) than after LPN (10/52, 19%) (χ² =0.05). In LPN group, complications [4 urinomas, 2 symptomatic refluxing distal ureteral stump (RDUS) and 4 urinary leakages] were conservatively managed. In RPN group, complications (6 urinomas, 8 RDUS, 1 opening of remaining calyxes) required a re-operation in 2 patients. In both groups no conversion to open surgery was reported. Operative time (LPN: 166.2 min vs. RPN: 255 min; P<0.001) and hospitalization (LPN: 3.5 days vs. RPN: 4.1 days; P<0.001) were significantly shorter in LPN group. No postoperative loss of renal function was reported in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS now represents the gold standard technique to perform partial nephrectomy in children with duplex kidney. Our results demonstrate that RPN remains a technically demanding procedure with a significantly higher complications and re-operation rate compared to LPN. In addition, length of surgery and hospitalization were significantly shorter after LPN compared to RPN. LPN seems to be a faster, safer and technically easier procedure to perform in children compared to RPN due to a larger operative space and the possibility to perform a complete ureterectomy in refluxing systems.

A comparison between laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic approach for partial nephrectomy in children with duplex kidney: a multicentric survey

PURPOSE

To compare the outcome of laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic approach for partial nephrectomy in infants and children with duplex kidneys.

METHODS

Data of 102 patients underwent partial nephrectomy in a 5-year period using MIS procedures were analyzed. Fifty-two children underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and 50 children underwent retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Median age at surgery was 4.2 years. Statistical analysis was performed using χ (2) test and Student's t test.

RESULTS

The overall complications rate was significantly higher after RPN (15/50, 30 %) than after LPN (10/52, 19 %) [χ (2) = 0.05]. In LPN group, complications [4 urinomas, 2 symptomatic refluxing distal ureteral stumps (RDUS) and 4 urinary leakages] were conservatively managed. In RPN group, complications (6 urinomas, 8 RDUS, 1 opening of remaining calyxes) required a re-operation in 2 patients. In both groups no conversion to open surgery was reported. Operative time (LPN:166.2 min vs RPN: 255 min; p < 0.001) and hospitalization (LPN: 3.5 days vs RPN: 4.1 days; p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in LPN group. No postoperative loss of renal function was reported in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that RPN remains a technically demanding procedure with a significantly higher complications and re-operation rate compared to LPN. In addition, length of surgery and hospitalization were significantly shorter after LPN compared to RPN. LPN seems to be a faster, safer and technically easier procedure to perform in children compared to RPN due to a larger operative space and the possibility to perform a complete ureterectomy in refluxing systems.

Laparoscopic retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy in children

Objectives:

The aim was to evaluate our experience in the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach in total and partial nephrectomies in children.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic total or partial nephrectomies performed in our center from 2004 to 2012. We looked at the demographic data, age at surgery, indication, operative time, surgical complications, conversion to open surgery and operative complications.

Results:

Thirty-five total and six partial nephrectomies (upper pole) were performed. The mean age was 84 months (7-175). Vesicoureteric reflux, pelviureteric junction obstruction, and multicystic dysplastic kidney disease were the main underlying pathologies.

The mean operative time was 158 min (60-280). There were no intraoperative complications (surgical and anesthetic), and no significant blood loss was observed. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in two cases caused by failure to progress due to difficult anatomy during the partial nephrectomies. No major postoperative complications were noted. The mean hospital stay was 2.5 days (1-5). A drain was used in 12 cases and was removed after a mean of 2 days.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery can be carried out safely and effectively in children. Still, this procedure is more challenging and requires an excellent image of the retroperitoneal space, especially when partial nephrectomies are concerned.

Laparoscopic ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy for the management of children with duplication anomalies

Aim:

Ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy is an established method for the treatment of duplication anomalies in children. With the advent of pediatric laparoscopy, many urologic procedures in children are being performed using minimal access techniques. We present our experience with laparoscopic ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (LIUU) for duplex anomalies.

Patients and Methods:

The data of children who underwent LIUU was reviewed for demographic parameters, clinical and operative details, follow-up and results.

Results:

Over 3 years period, LIUU was performed in eight children (age 6-60 months). Five children had complete ipsilateral duplication with ectopic upper moiety ureter, one child each had ipsilateral incomplete duplication and bilateral duplex systems (with ipsilateral ectopic upper moiety ureter). One child had ipsilateral complete duplex with Grade V vesicoureteric reflux into the lower moiety ureter. Four children had antenatal diagnosis of hydronephrosis; three children had a urinary infection and two children presented with urinary incontinence. The surgical procedure consisted of cystoscopy, retrograde studies and cannulation of the recipient ureter. Then, LIUU was performed using three ports. The ectopic (donor) ureter was divided at the pelvic brim; the recipient ureter was opened and end-to-side LIUU was performed with 5/0 vicryl stitches over a double J (DJ) stent placed in the recipient ureter. Bladder catheter was removed after 2 days, and DJ stent was removed after 4 weeks. At a mean follow-up of 19 months (3-36), all children are asymptomatic and continent, with a significant reduction in hydroureteronephrosis on ultrasound. The cosmetic results were excellent.

Conclusion:

LIUU is a safe and effective technique in the management of duplication anomalies in children. It could be performed with minimal blood loss, minimal postoperative pain, excellent cosmesis and good success.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for the treatment of large cystic nephroma in children

Abstract Background: Cystic nephroma (CN) is a rare benign renal neoplasm. The differential diagnosis of cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma is only possible with pathological findings. Therefore, surgical resection is necessary to diagnose suspected CN lesions. Because CN is usually well demarcated and has a good prognosis, partial nephrectomy is recommended for its treatment. However, to our knowledge, laparoscopic treatment of CN has not been reported. We describe 2 cases of large CNs successfully treated: Case 1 was a 9-month-old boy with a lower polar mass in the right kidney, which occupied two-thirds of the kidney, and Case 2 was a 9-month-old boy with an upper polar mass in the left kidney, which occupied three-fourths of the kidney.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the transperitoneal approach, the lesion was detected by a laparoscopic ultrasound probe, and vessels in the affected region were dissected. After the renal artery was clamped with bulldog clips, the parenchyma of the affected region was divided with an ultrasonically activated scalpel. The partly cut pelvis was closed by suturing, and the resected stump was coated with hemostatic agents and covered with the pediculate peritoneum.

RESULTS

The lesion was not exposed during surgery, and the microscopic features were consistent with CN in both cases. Residual renal function was good, and no residual tumor was found in both cases for over a year.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a feasible approach to treat large CNs. When it is difficult to close the resection stump by parenchymal suturing, covering the stump with hemostatic agents and pediculate peritoneum is feasible.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal heminephrectomy for duplex kidney in infants and children: a comparative study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic heminephrectomy for duplex kidneys in children above and below the age of 12 months.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The transperitoneal surgical technique included division of the parenchyma with a sealing device (LigaSure™; Covidien, Mansfield, MA) and amputation of the ureter as low as possible. A follow-up study was performed. Patients' records were analyzed retrospectively for operative details and postoperative complications. Long-term outcome was assessed during follow-up visits and a final telephone interview. Outcome was compared between two groups: Group 1 (G1), age at surgery<12 months; Group 2 (G2), age at surgery >12 months.

RESULTS

Between July 2004 and September 2012, in total, 22 laparoscopic heminephrectomies (20 upper poles and 2 lower poles) were performed in 20 patients (G1, 12 cases; G2, 10 cases). A mean (range) age at surgery was 7.1 (3-11) months in G1 and 49.4 (15-128) months in G2. Mean (range) operative time was 152 (81-220) min in G1 and 197 (90-265) min in G2 (P=.06). All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Major postoperative complication was one urinoma in G1, which was surgically revised. Mean hospital stay was 3.6 days (G1, 4.0 days; G2, 3.1 days). During long-term follow-up (median, 5.2 years) febrile urinary tract infections occurred to the same extent in both groups (G1, 1/12; G2, 2/10; P=.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic transperitoneal heminephrectomy for duplex kidneys is safe and feasible even in small infants. Long-term results are excellent irrespective of the patient's age.

Minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery for unilateral Wilms tumor

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for nephrectomy has been described since the early 1990s. More recently, MIS has been used for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) when treating benign conditions. However, reports of NSS using MIS for malignant conditions are sparse. In this report, we describe our retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach for NSS for a localized Wilms tumor.

Laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy in children with a duplex collecting system plus obstructed ureteral ectopia

One of the complex upper urinary tract anomalies is a duplicated collecting system. In cases with a functioning upper moiety, ureteroureterostomy (UU) is the preferred operation to redirect the urine to the normal collecting system. Although open UU is a well-described operation, experience with laparoscopic repair pediatric patients is scarce. We describe the successful application of laparoscopic UU in 2 children and suggest that laparoscopic UU for the duplicated collecting system is a promising minimally invasive procedure.

Upper pole nephrectomy: a simplified technique using a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach

Objective. To describe a simplified technique already used in our institution for several years in the open heminephrectomy for duplication anomalies, now performed through a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach. Methods. The technique begins with upper pole parenchyma incision since the demarcation between the affected upper moiety and the healthy lower pole is easily established. The dissection proceeds until the urothelium of the collecting system is entered, which will guide further excision, minimizing damage of the surrounding structures. The vascular supply is then identified since the upper pole is attached to the remaining renal parenchyma only by these structures that can be safely divided. Dissection and division of the ectopic ureter is carried next. Results. The operative time was 188 minutes. The blood loss was not significant, and there were no other complications during the procedure. The patient was discharged home 48 hours after the procedure, without any early or late postoperative complications. Conclusion. We believe this simplified technique allows a safer excision of nonfunctioning upper pole renal tissue by avoiding the initial dissection of the renal hilum, which associated with the known advantages of a laparoscopic approach makes us consider it the procedure of choice for upper pole nephrectomy in children.