Extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction:Initial experience in 15 cases

Objectives. To assess the feasibility and results of retroperitoneal laparo scopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Methods. From September 1996 to January 1999, 15 patients underwent extrape ritoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. A berrant vessels were noted in 4 patients, Dismembered pyeloplasty was perfo rmed in 7 patients and nondismembered Fenger plasty in 7 patients. Pyelopla sty was not possible in 1 patient. Results. Fourteen of the 15 procedures were successfully completed, The pro cedure was not possible in patient who had already undergone endopyelotomy repair. The mean operating time was 178 minutes (range 100 to 250), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 days (range 1 to 14), Postoperati ve complications occurred in 3 patients (two hematomas and one urinoma). Ra diographic assessment by intravenous urography 3 months after the procedure showed good results. Conclusions. Retroperitoneoscopy, by providing easy a nd rapid access to th e retroperitoneal space, seems to be a valuable alternative treatment for u reteropelvic junction obstruction, UROLOGY 56: 45-48, 2000. (C) 2000, Elsev ier Science Inc.