Use of Hem-o-lok Clips for Vascular Control During Retroperitoneoscopic Nephrectomy in Children

To evaluate safety and efficacy of 5-mm Hem-o-lok clips in children undergoing retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. Twenty-four retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomies were performed between September 2004 and August 2007. The indications of nephrectomy were ureteropelvic junction obstruction, reflux nephropathy, ectopic ureteral opening with renal dysplasia, and stone disease with pyonephrosis and primary obstructed megaureter with renal dysplasia. Nine cases were on right side and others on left side. Multiple 5- or 10-mm Hem-o-lok clips were used to control renal artery and vein separately in each case. The specimen was mobilized and removed either by extension of a port site incision or by a separate incision at ipsilateral iliac fossa at the lateral border of the rectus muscle. Hem-o-lok clips were deployed on renal pedicle separately in each case. Two clips were deployed on the body side and one on the specimen side. On the left side lumbar, gonadal and adrenal tributaries were also clipped by 5-mm Hem-o-lok clips. No clip dislodgement was observed in any patient. Mean operative time was 111 (80 ± 47) minutes, and mean blood loss was 25 (10 ± 45) mL. Mean hospital stay was 2.4 (1.9-3.1) days. Five- and 10-mm Hem-o-lok clips are safe and effective for renal pedicle control during retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy in children.