Mini-Flank incision assisted laparoscopy versus transperitoneal laparoscopy for dismembered pyeloplasty

ABSTRACT

To define the impact of the combined approach on the minimally invasive style of laparoscopic approach. From July 2005 to September 2007, 21 patients with unilateral primary pelvi-ureteric junction [PUJ] obstruction underwent Anderson Hynes pyeloplasty. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 11 patients who had combined transperitoneal laparoscopic approach and then mini-open approach. The surgical procedure was divided into two steps: laparoscopic dissection of the renal pelvis and proximal ureter and then accomplishing the pyeloplasty through mini-flank [5 cm], muscle splitting incision which was planned under laparoscopic guidance to be accurately overlaying the PUJ. Group 2 consisted of 10 patients who underwent the whole procedure through laparoscopic approach. Perioperative records and postoperative assessment were compared between the two groups. The mean operating time [135 versus 189 min] and Analgesic requirement [90 versus 36 mg, morphine equivalent] were significantly different between group 1 and 2, respectively. There was no intraoperative complication in both groups and the postoperative complications were minor and similar in both groups [10%]. Postoperatively, time to resume the full activity was significantly different between the groups 1 and 2, at 2 weeks [54.0 versus 80%, respectively] however, it was similar [100%] at 4 weeks. Postoperative, assessment of the all patients, based on IVU and diuretic renogram at 3 and 6 months, were similar in both groups. Dismembered pyeloplasty through a combined approach save time and ensures high quality of anastomosis while maintaining the minimally invasive fashion of laparoscopic approach: