Retroperitoneoscopic upper pole nephroureterectomy in duplex kidney: focus on the role of dilated upper pole ureter

To describe our technique and experience with retroperitoneoscopic upper pole nephroureterectomy in duplex kidney, focusing on the role of dilated upper ureter.

From November 2004 to August 2011, retroperitoneoscopic upper pole nephroureterectomy was performed in 31 patients with a duplex kidney by a single, experienced laparoscopic surgeon. We developed our own surgical technique to suit this technically challenging procedure. Follow-up studies were performed using renal ultrasonography, intravenous urography (IVU) and/or dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in all patients at 3 months postoperatively and annually thereafter.

All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion to open surgery and blood transfusion. The mean operative time was 106 (90-157) min. The estimated blood loss was < 50 mL in all cases. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.2 (3-7) days. Perioperative complications were limited to 1 case of peritoneal tear during a procedure and 1 case of transient postoperative fever. No major intraoperative and postoperative complication occurred. With the mean follow-up period of 41 months (range 3 to 80), no case was observed to have functional loss of the remaining lower moiety on postoperative IVU or DMSA renal scan.

Retroperitoneoscopic upper pole nephroureterectomy using our technique is safe and effective.