Nondismembered pyeloplasty in a pediatric population: results of 34 open and laparoscopic procedures

To assess the outcomes of nondismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a pediatric population of children and adolescents.

Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 129 pyeloplasties were performed at our institution. In all, 34 (24%) renal units underwent primary nondismembered Fenger-type plasty, 22 open (OPEN) and 12 laparoscopic (LAP). Gender distribution, left to right ratio, follow-up period, grade of kidney dilatation and split renal function were similar in both groups. The decision to perform a nondismembered procedure was made by the surgeon intraoperatively. The mean age at surgery was 4.5 years for the OPEN group and 14.2 years for the LAP group. Mean follow-up was 30 months (range 12-70 months).

The overall success rate was 91% (95.5% the OPEN group and 83.5% in the LAP group). Secondary surgery was required for 3 renal units. Other complications included pyelonephritis in 3 patients (2 in OPEN and 1 in LAP), ileus in 1 patient (OPEN), and prolonged postoperative pain in 1 patient (LAP). The mean operation time was significantly shorter for open surgery (95 minutes for OPEN vs 179 minutes for LAP; P < .05). There was no significant difference in the length of the postoperative hospital stay (2.5 days for OPEN vs 3 days for LAP).

Nondismembered pyeloplasty is an effective procedure for curing ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the pediatric population, and can be considered as an option in well selected cases.