Endopyelotomy for horseshoe and ectopic kidneys

Transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in unusual circumstances--is the outcome comparable to that achieved in familiar pathologies?

OBJECTIVE

To compare the operative outcome, morbidity profile, and functional outcome after transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in unusual circumstances (intrinsic pathology in anomalous kidneys or unusual extrinsic pathologies; group 1) to the outcome after this procedure in familiar pathologies (normally located kidneys with intrinsic dysfunctional segment or extrinsic compression due to a crossing vessel; group 2).

METHODS

The patients were evaluated in detail. All patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. The operative and postoperative parameters were recorded. Patients were followed up after the procedure on a 3-month protocol. Imaging was repeated at 1 year. No intervention during the follow-up period (ie, nephrostomy, ureteral stenting, or redo pyeloplasty) and improvement in the hydronephrosis grade and diuretic renogram parameters was interpreted as procedural success. The operative, postoperative, and follow-up parameters in the 2 groups were compared.

RESULTS

Group 1 included 17 patients with intrinsic pathologic features and renal anomalies with ureteropelvic junction obstruction due to unusual extrinsic pathology. All procedures were successfully completed with the laparoscopic approach. A significant difference was noted in the mean operative duration (group 1, 196.9 ± 10.3 minutes; group 2, 125.44 minutes, P = .00). The other operative and postoperative parameters were comparable. No significant operative or postoperative events were noted. A total of 14 patients (group 1) completed the 1-year follow-up protocol. The success rate was 92.9% (13 of 14) in group 1 and 97.9% (44 of 45) in group 2 (P = .42).

CONCLUSION

The procedural duration for laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in unusual circumstances is longer than in familiar pathologies. However, the morbidity profile and functional outcome in these 2 scenarios were comparable.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and calyceal diverticulum in a child with Turner syndrome and horseshoe kidney

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is considered to be a routine procedure in many pediatric surgical centers. UPJ obstruction is known to be associated with horseshoe kidney and several reports on successful laparoscopic repair in such cases exist. The case of a 9-month-old girl with Turner syndrome is reported. A horseshoe kidney with grade 4 hydronephrosis on the left side was diagnosed by ultrasound during the neonatal period. MAG3 diuretic renography and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging nephrography revealed a differential renal function of 31% and 69% on the left and right side, respectively. No drainage from the left renal pelvis could be demonstrated. Laparoscopy showed a combined UPJ obstruction and a calyceal diverticulum with a narrow infundibulum of the upper pole calices on the left side of the horseshoe kidney. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty and an additional infundibulopelvic anastomosis was performed. No intraoperative complications occurred. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful. Unobstructed drainage and stable differential renal function on the left side could be demonstrated on MAG3 diuretic renography 6 weeks postoperatively. In conclusion, laparoscopic repair of complex malformations of the upper urinary tract is feasible and leads to good functional outcome in selected cases.

Management of urolithiasis in the congenitally abnormal kidney (horseshoe and ectopic)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Urolithiasis in horseshoe and ectopic kidneys presents unique challenges in the decision-making and technical aspects of stone treatment. Specific renal anatomy, stone size and associated conditions such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction are factors that may influence treatment. Detailed review of imaging is important to ensure efficient stone treatment and minimize complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Widespread use of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for calculi in congenitally abnormal kidneys is now giving way to stone-size and anatomy-appropriate therapeutic decision making. Multiple modalities including shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and laparoscopy are being employed in this group of patients.

SUMMARY

Treatment decisions for stones in horseshoe and ectopic kidneys can be challenging, and must be made on an individual basis taking into account multiple variables.

Is Laparoscopic Approach Safe for Ectopic Pelvic Kidneys?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and safety of a laparoscopic approach to pelvic kidneys for ablative and reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

Between January 2002 and February 2005, 6 patients with a left pelvic kidney; 2 with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, 2 with nonfunctioning kidney and 2 with pelvic stones were selected. These patients underwent dismembered pyeloplasty, simple nephrectomy and pyelolithotomy by laparoscopic approach. For pyeloplasty, omitting the prior retrograde stent facilitated dissection around the pelvis, which was identified first and then the ureter was traced downwards. Dismembered pyeloplasty was done by continuous sutures using 4-0 vicryl over a double-J stent placed antegradely. During nephrectomy, the ureter was identified over the iliac vessels and divided first. Subsequent dissection was carried out after lifting the kidney to identify ectopic renal vessels. Pyelolithotomy was performed for a large single pelvic stone after placing the ureteric catheter and confirming the stone's position by fluoroscopy.

RESULTS

One patient with pyelolithotomy was converted to open surgery while the others were completed laparoscopically. Mean hospital stay was 4.16 (range 3-5) days, blood loss 115 (range 30-300) ml and mean operative time was 170 (range 140-220) min. There were no post-operative complications. After pyeloplasty there was significant improvement in renal function and drainage pattern on diuretic scan at 11 and 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach provides all the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure to the patients. Due to the different locations of renal vessels, it is safe to approach the ureter first when performing nephrectomy. When performing pyeloplasty, omitting the prior stent placement helps in the identification and dissection of the renal pelvis.

Antegrade endopyelotomy in pelvic kidney

Antegrade endopyelotomy was performed in a patient with pelvic kidney. Nephrostomy tube had been placed in the patient during a previous open pyelolithotomy. The nephrostomy tract was used for establishing percutaneous access. The ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) was balloon dilated and incised laterally under vision. At 3-month-follow-up renal dynamic scan showed no evidence of UPJ obstruction.

Laparoscopic Management of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Patients With Upper Urinary Tract Anomalies

PURPOSE

We report our experience with the laparoscopic management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients with upper urinary tract abnormalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 1994 and May 2002, 7 men and 4 women with upper urinary tract anatomical abnormalities were referred to our institution for management of symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Anomalies included horseshoe kidneys in 5 cases, pelvic kidneys in 3, a pancake kidney in 1, a malrotated kidney in 1 and a duplicated collecting system in 1. Three patients had associated renal stones that were extracted during reconstruction. Mean patient age was 37.4 years (range 25 to 60). One patient had undergone a previously unsuccessful endopyelotomy and 2 had a history of abdominal surgery.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 195 minutes (range 85 to 403) and mean estimated blood loss was 122 cc (range 20 to 300). No patient in this series required transfusion. Average length of hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2 to 5). Renal function failed to improve after surgery in 1 patient with poor renal function and severe hydronephrosis. The remaining 10 patients (91%) had durable clinical and/or radiographic success during a followup of 32.6 and 21.3 months, respectively. There were no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an effective treatment alternative for ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.

The endourological management of complications associated with horseshoe kidney

PURPOSE

Horseshoe kidneys are the most common renal fusion anomalies. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction, urolithiasis and renal malignancies are the most common complications that occur in this patient population. Endourological management of these complications has decreased perioperative morbidity. We identified the applications of minimally invasive surgery for treating complications secondary to horseshoe kidney.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature review of the different endourological approaches in the management of complications secondary to horseshoe kidney was performed using MEDLINE.

RESULTS

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction can be managed by percutaneous endopyelotomy or laparoscopic pyeloplasty with good results. Small stones associated with horseshoe kidney are best managed by shock wave lithotripsy, while stones that have failed management by shock wave lithotripsy or are greater than 2 cm. are best managed percutaneously. All patients should undergo metabolic evaluation. Ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy is associated with a higher residual stone rate than the percutaneous approach. Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a safe and feasible option for benign and malignant horseshoe kidney diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Endourological techniques can be safe and effective for treating complications secondary to horseshoe kidney.

The role of endourology in ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Endopyelotomy has benefited from abundant confirmatory investigations, and significant progress in different technical modalities has occurred. Retrograde techniques, including the Acucise (Applied Medical, Laguna Hills, CA) cutting balloon and the ureteroscopic Holmium laser incision, are becoming preferred approaches while the other modalities retain their specific indications. Long-term results and potential complications have been carefully studied and reported. Better identification of risk factors has prompted precise preoperative investigations and allowed for careful patient selection, leading to improved results. These results approach those of open pyeloplasty, but with minimal morbidity.