Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis
Published on: July 8, 2025
Measuring the true success of laparoscopic pyeloplasty
Lincoln J Maynes1, Brian M Levin, Todd M Webster
1Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2765, USA.
Background And Purpose:
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) is a highly successful minimally invasive management option for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with success rates equaling or surpassing open repair. Definitions of success have varied greatly among reports of series in the literature. We propose that true success or failure be strictly defined by resolution of obstruction on objective physiologic testing (diuretic renography or Whitaker testing) and accordingly present our results.
Patients And Methods:
We prospectively gathered data on all LP from December 2001 to November 2006. Ninety-two patients have matured to follow-up testing (> 3 months). Primary uncomplicated procedures were completed in 62/92 (67%) while secondary and/or complex repairs were performed in 30/92 (33%). Rigorous follow-up with physiologic testing was performed postoperatively. Patients with equivocal diuretic renal scans were evaluated with Whitaker pressure-flow studies. The subjective symptom score was assessed for our first 47 patients using a visual analog scale (VAS). Treatment in patients who lacked objective evidence of resolution of UPJO was considered a failure.
Results:
The mean age of the cohort was 39 years (range 18-69 yrs). Average operating room time was 250 minutes (range 138-488 min), and estimated blood loss was 63 mL (range 10-500 mL). Average hospital length of stay was 1.2 days (range 1-6 d). Crossing vessels were identified in 47/92 (51%) patients. Overall mean follow-up was 13 months (range 2-54 months). There were no intraoperative complications and three perioperative complications. Overall, 85/92 (92%) patients were found to have resolution of UPJO on postoperative physiologic testing. The primary uncomplicated cohort success rate was 98%, while that for the secondary or complex repair cohort was 80%. The mean overall VAS pain score was 84%.
Conclusion:
Objective physiologic testing should be used as the measurement of true success after LP. A uniform definition of success will allow improved comparison of results with literature series and comparison with alternative management modalities.
