Retaining the refluxing lower ureteral stump of a non-functioning kidney to preserve contralateral renal function

Laparoscopy-assisted ureterostomy- technique

INTRODUCTION

Urinary tract anomalies in children at times pose challenges in which immediate urinary diversion is required before definitive reconstruction. Open cutaneous ureterostomy technique is a well-established approach for this scenario. We describe the laparoscopy-assisted alternative.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Transperitoneal laparoscopy is performed with three ports. One trans-umbilical 5mm port for vision and two 3mm working instruments, one of which is through the proposed ureterostomy site minimising scarring. The position of the third port is carefully checked both externally and internally. Laparoscopic identification of the dilated ureter is quick and easy. The redundant ureter is mobilised and excess excised if needed. The ureteric loop is then exteriorised and the ureterostomy fashioned externally. Proximal and distal patency is checked both externally and laparoscopically.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients underwent the procedure for primary VUR (n=6), neuropathic bladder 7, posterior urethral valve 4, and vesico-ureteric obstruction 2. The mean operative time was 40 minutes. the patients received three doses of perioperative antibiotics and were discharged in 72 hours (mean). At three months, clinical and ultrasound review have shown satisfactory and stable upper tracts and no episodes of UTI.

DISCUSSION

The laparoscopic view gives the benefit of direct visualisation and identification with adequate dissection in order to bring the ureter to the surface in a tensionless manner. A redundant ureter can be easily addressed to correct tortuosity or redundancy appropriately. Bladder drainage can be ensured with careful dissection of the distal ureter and inspection at the end of the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy-Assisted ureterostomy formation is easy and quick to perform. It is feasible even in the smallest of babies, assures the shortest segment of ureter to the bladder providing prompt drainage in a refluxing ureterostomy setting. Our early experience is promising with potential benefits.

Laparoscopy-Assisted Cutaneous Ureterostomy in Children: Early Experience

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopy-assisted cutaneous ureterostomy (LA-CU) is a minimally invasive approach for temporary urinary diversion in children. We describe the technique, its feasibility, potential advantages, and outcomes in 12 children treated for a variety of conditions.

METHODS

Three trocars were used transperitoneally, one transumbilical, and another placed at the later stoma site. In the semilateral position, with a panoramic view, the ureter of interest is easily identified, mobilized, and exteriorized for stoma creation. We retrospectively reviewed our experience at two tertiary-care centers and included both refluxing and end ureterostomies. The study period was between October 2014 and February 2017. Renal function and growth curves were noted at follow-up.

RESULTS

Twelve children underwent LA-CU: 3 end and 9 refluxing ureterostomy. Mean age was 18.75 ± 17.60 months. Mean operating time was 94.44 ± 34.86 minutes. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 38 months. No major postoperative complications occurred. Renal function and growth curves improved in the majority of children.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary surgical correction of obstructive or refluxing uropathy is the gold standard; however, temporary urinary diversion is useful in specific scenarios. In these patients, laparoscopic assistance may offer better and direct visualization, achieves accurate and rapid identification of ureter, and provides adequate mobilization, tension-free exteriorization, and excision of redundant ureter in some to optimize drainage. One trocar at the eventual stoma site minimizes scarring.