Early experience in laparoscopic renal surgery for pediatric urology: Our thoughts for the future

ABSTRACT

Laparoscopic surgery is presently assuming an important role in pediatric urology. It offers minimally invasive surgery to benign real conditions. We report our experience with laparoscopic renal surgery in the pediatric age group and evaluate our series to establish the safety and efficacy of it. Between August 2003 and June 2004,4 girls with ages ranging from 8 months to 8 years old, averaging 44 months, underwent laparoscopic renal surgeries. Our series consistent of 1 Nephrectomy, 1 Nephroureterectomy (retroperitoneal approach) and 2 Heminephroureterectomies. Operating time ranged from 125 to 340 minutes averaging 185 minutes. Blood loss was minimal. No early or late postoperative complications were noted. Our series also showed that patients experience minimal postoperative discomfort, improved cosmesis and shorter hospital stay with the laparoscopic approach. As we gain more experience refinements in our surgical technique are expected and with the advent of new technology such as Ultrasonic SonoSurg, laparoscopy will be an important facet in the surgical armamentarium of pediatric urologists. (Author)