The 'double hitch' manoeuvre in laparoscopic pyeloplasty - early experience

Intra-corporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic pyeloplasty is laborious, time consuming and challenging. 14 children underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty using a three port, transperitoneal approach over a one year period in whom a novel approach ("double hitch" manoeuvre) (Group-2, n = 9) was used and operating times compared with the conventional "single hitch" (Group-1, n = 5). The mean operating time in Group 1 (172.4 min) and in Group 2 (129.5 min) was significantly different. Mean follow up in Group-1 and Group-2 was 14 and 6 months respectively. Utilisation of the "double hitch" manoeuvre in laparoscopic pyeloplasty reduces the operating time and probably makes it less laborious.