Laparoscopic approach to the left kidney avoiding colonic mobilization

Prospective randomized study to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of transmesocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasty and compare it with retrocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasty in pediatric and adolescent patients

OBJECTIVE

This prospective randomized study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of transmesocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasty (TMP) and compare it with retrocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RLP) in pediatric and adolescent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2006 to May 2012, data of pediatric and adolescent patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty were recorded in a prospective manner. Data included age, pelvic volume, presence of stones, aberrant vessels, operative time, analgesics requirement and time to accept oral feeds and drain removal. Patients with left side pelviureteric junction obstruction with any size of pelvic volume, with or without renal stones and aberrant vessels were included in the study. Patients were assigned into two groups by simple randomization technique. A total of 38 TMP and 41 left sided RLP were performed. Median follow-up period for transmesocolic group was 12.5 months (9.5-62 months) and 14 months (8-66 months) for retro colic group. Outcome for this study was adequate drainage on renal scan, improvement in symptom and or resolution of hydronephrosis on ultrasound. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 8.73 years in RLP and 7.73 years in TMP. In RLP group the mean operative time was 75.84 min (time from port insertion to pyeloplasty) and 135.4 min (total operative time) while it was 44.82 min and 104.82 min respectively in TMP group. Compared with classic RLP, TMP cases showed a significant reduction in operative time.

CONCLUSIONS

The transmesocolic approach for left sided pyeloplasty enables a shorter operative time even in the presence of large pelvis, aberrant vessel and stones without increasing morbidity in comparison to RLP approach.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic approaches to the ureter: Pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The benefits of robotic surgery when compared to standard laparoscopy have been well established, especially when it comes to reconstructive procedures. The application of robotic technology to laparoscopic pyeloplasty has reduced the steep learning curve associated with the procedure. Consequently, this has allowed surgeons who are less experienced with laparoscopy to offer this treatment to their patients, instead of referring them to centers of excellence. Robotic pyeloplasty has also proved useful for repairing secondary UPJO, a procedure which is considered extremely difficult using a conventional laparoscopic approach. Finally, the pursuit of scarless surgery has seen the development of laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) procedures. The application of robotics to LESS (R-LESS) has also reduced the difficulty in performing conventional LESS pyeloplasty. Herein we present a literature review with regards to robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. We also discuss the benefits of robotic surgery with regards to reconstruction of the lower urinary tract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed to identify relevant studies. There were no time restrictions applied to the search, but only studies in English were included. We utilized the following search terms: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and laparoscopy; laparoscopic pyeloplasty; robotic pyeloplasty; robotic ureteric reimplantation; robotic ureteroneocystostomy; robotic boari flap; robotic psoas hitch.

RESULTS

There has been considerable experience in the literature with robotic pyeloplasty. Unfortunately, no prospective randomized studies have been conducted, however there are a number of meta analyses and systematic reviews. While there are no clear benefits when it comes to surgical and functional outcomes when compared to standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty, it is clear that robotics makes the operation easier to perform. There is also a benefit to the robotic approach when performing a redo-pyeloplasty. Robotic pyeloplasty has also been applied to the pediatric population, and there may be a benefit in older children while in very young patients, retroperitoneal open pyeloplasty is still the gold standard. In the field of single incision surgery R-LESS is technically easier to perform than conventional LESS. However, the design of the current robotic platform is not completely suited for this application, limiting its utility and often requiring a larger incision. Optimized R-LESS specific technology is awaited. What is clear, from a number of analyses, is that robotic pyeloplasty is considerably more expensive than the laparoscopic approach, largely due to costs of instrumentation and the capital expense of the robot. Until cheaper robotic technology is available, this technique will continue to be expensive, and a cost-benefit analysis must be undertaken by each hospital planning to undertake this surgery. Finally, the benefits of upper tract reconstruction apply equally to the lower tract although there is considerably less experience. However, there have been a number of studies demonstrating the technical feasibility of ureteral reimplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is gaining popularity, likely due to the shorter learning curve, greater surgeon comfort, and easier intracorporeal suturing. This has allowed more surgeons to perform the procedure, improving accessibility. Robotic technology is also beneficial in the field of LESS. Nevertheless, the procedure still is not as cost-effective as the conventional laparoscopic approach, and until more affordable robotic technology is available, it will not be universally offered.

Robot-assisted and laparoscopic repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Over the last two decades, minimally invasive treatment options for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) have been developed and popularized.

OBJECTIVE

To critically analyze the current status of laparoscopic and robotic repair of UPJO.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic literature review was performed in November 2012 using PubMed. Article selection proceeded according to the search strategy based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Multiple series of laparoscopic pyeloplasty have demonstrated high success rates and low perioperative morbidity in pediatric and adult populations, with both the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. Data on pediatric robot-assisted pyeloplasty are increasingly becoming available. A larger number of cases have also been reported for adult patients, confirming that robotic pyeloplasty represents a viable option for either primary or secondary repair. Robot-assisted redo pyeloplasty has been mostly described in the pediatric population. Different technical variations have been implemented with the aim of tailoring the procedure to each specific case. The type of stenting, retrograde versus antegrade, continues to be debated. Internal-external stenting as well as a stentless approach have been used, especially in the pediatric population. Comparative studies demonstrate similar success and complication rates between minimally invasive and open pyeloplasty in both the adult and pediatric setting. A clear advantage in terms of hospital stay for minimally invasive over open pyeloplasty was observed only in the adult population.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy represents an efficient and effective less invasive alternative to open pyeloplasty. Robotic pyeloplasty is likely to emerge as the new minimally invasive standard of care whenever robotic technology is available because its precise suturing and shorter learning curve represent unique attractive features. For both laparoscopy and robotics, the technique can be tailored to the specific case according to intraoperative findings and personal surgical experience.

Pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery for renal cyst decortication: report of initial five cases

OBJECTIVE

To present our initial experience with pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery renal cyst decortication.

METHODS

From December 2010 to July 2011, five female patients with symptomatic renal cyst in the anterior portion and lower pole of the kidney were submitted to pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery renal cyst decortication in our center. Under general anesthesia, the patients were placed in the lithotomy position with the affected side elevated by 60°. A 3-cm incision was made at the posterior vaginal fornix and a modified three-channel port was deployed across the vaginal incision. The cyst was dissected and the cyst fluid was aspirated using a suction device. The cyst wall was circumferentially excised.

RESULTS

All five procedures were successfully carried out without additional transabdominal trocars. The median operative time was 80 min (range 60-90 min). The median estimated blood loss was 25 mL (range 25-50 mL). The median visual analog scale score was 1 on postoperative day 1. None of the patients required narcotic pain medications beyond postoperative day 2. Intestinal function recovered on postoperative day 1-3. There was no intraoperative or postoperative complication in any of the patients. During the follow-up visits, all the patients were in good condition. All the patients reported unaltered sexual function after surgery by the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

Our initial experience suggests that pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery renal cyst decortication is feasible and safe in selected patients.

Transmesocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: a standard approach for the left-side repair

OBJECTIVE

To compare the transmesocolic approach in the left laparoscopic pyeloplasty with the laterocolic right-side repair in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Dismembered pyeloplasty was performed in 77 consecutive children aged 1.2-18.2 years. The transmesocolic approach was used in 49 patients with left hydronephrosis (group I) and the conventional laterocolic approach in 28 patients with right hydronephrosis (group II). Three age groups were defined.

RESULTS

The transmesocolic approach was applicable in 48 of 49 patients (98%); the colic vessels were preserved. The operation time was significantly shorter in the transmesocolic group, also when comparing patients with similar age, incidence of crossing vessels and urinary diversion. A shorter operation time was achieved in children without internal urine diversion. Postoperative complications were encountered in 6.3% of group I and 7.1% of group II without any conversion to open repair or recurrence of obstruction within a 2.5-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The transmesocolic approach offers clear anatomy and provides safe access to the dilated left renal pelvis and crossing vessels. The operative time is shorter due to very limited tissue dissection. The medial reflection of the colon is avoided. This approach allows for microsurgical performance of the left-side pyeloplasty in all paediatric age groups.

Transmesocolic Pyeloplasty: Experience of a Single Center

PURPOSE

We present our experience with dismembered left-sided pyeloplasty using a transmesocolic technique as a way to reduce operative time and facilitate repair by avoiding colon displacement.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2004 and January 2006, a total of 11 transmesocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed by the same surgeon at our institution. The mean patient age was 41.6 years (range 14-65 years). Operative records and follow-up were reviewed.

RESULTS

A dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was carried out in nine patients (82%), while a Y-V plasty (9%) and a Fengerplasty (9%) were done in one patient each. Crossing vessels were observed in 8 patients (73%). A ureteral stent was left in all patients. The mean operative time was 88.6 minutes (range 60-125 minutes), and blood loss was minimal. Compared with classic transperitoneal laparoscopic left pyeloplasties, transmesocolic cases showed a significant reduction in operative time (88.6 minutes v 117 minutes; P < 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications or open conversions. The mean hospital stay was 2.1 days (range 2-3 days). Only 1 patient (9%) demonstrated narrowing of the anastomosis, which occurred 12 months after a Fengerplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

The transmesocolic approach to a dilated left pelvis enables a shorter operative time without increasing morbidity. More patients and longer follow-up are necessary to determine its effect on convalescence.

Laparoscopic Fenger plasty

BACKGROUND

At our department, adults presenting with hydronephrosis secondary to short intrinsic stenoses of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) or ventrally crossing vessels are treated with laparoscopic nondismembered pyeloplasty. We herein present our long-term results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From August 1994 to September 1999, 34 female and 31 male patients presenting with 67 obstructed UPJs underwent laparoscopic nondismembered pyeloplasty. The patients' ages ranged from 11 to 77 (mean 35.6) years. Preoperatively, all patients were evaluated with intravenous urography and isotope scans. In addition, color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to identify crossing vessels at the UPJ. Prior to surgery, a stent was placed, which was left indwelling until 6 weeks after surgery. On the right side, the transperitoneal and on the left, the retroperitoneal approach was used. Following dissection of the UPJ, the obstructing vessels were displaced. The stenosis of the UPJ was corrected by either Fenger plasty (63 UPJs) or Y-V plasty (4 UPJs). Postoperative evaluation included color Doppler ultrasonography, intravenous urography, and isotope studies.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 123 minutes. No intraoperative complications were seen. In 79% of the patients, ventrally crossing vessels were found and displaced from the UPJ. Forty-eight patients have been available for follow-up, which currently ranges from 4 to 60 (mean 25) months. In the most recent nine patients, the position of the crossing vessels relative to the UPJ was also assessed postoperatively by means of color Dopper ultrasonography. The mean distance of the vessels from the UPJ was 1.5 cm. There was a single failure, in a 19-year-old woman who presented with infected hydronephrosis. Laparoscopic nondismembered pyeloplasty failed because the stenosis, which was aggravated by the infection, was too long. The success rate thus was 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

At our department, laparoscopic nondismembered pyeloplasty is the preferred method for the management of UPJ obstruction, while dismembered pyeloplasty is performed in rare cases only.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty must be compared with open surgery in terms of efficacy and with endopyelotomy in terms of morbidity. All of the series published so far show that the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty equal those of open surgery. Laparoscopy is associated with a lower morbidity; therefore, it is preferable to open surgery. The morbidity of endopyelotomy is also low, at least when it is performed in a retrograde fashion. The results of endopyelotomy are poor if UPJ obstruction is caused by crossing vessels. In addition, endopyelotomy in this clinical setting carries the risk of hemorrhage. Most adults with symptomatic UPJ obstruction present with crossing vessels at the UPJ. These patients benefit from laparoscopy, and endopyelotomy should be reserved for patients with true intrinsic stenoses. For this reason, preoperative investigation using contemporary imaging techniques is of crucial importance to be able to select the most appropriate surgical method for a given patient. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is technically feasible but difficult. The authors prefer nondismembered techniques that yield equally good results in selected patients. Nondismembered pyeloplasty as described by Fenger is easy to perform and well suited for laparoscopy.