Robot-assisted laparoscopic lower pole partial nephrectomy in the pediatric patient

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Partial nephrectomy is crucial in pediatric urology for non-functioning renal moieties in duplicated systems.
• Limited data exists on infant partial nephrectomies, highlighting a need for further research.
• This study presents a robot-assisted laparoscopic lower pole partial nephrectomy in an infant.

Observation:

• An 11-month-old male infant presented with prenatal hydronephrosis and a duplicated right collecting system.
• Severe hydroureteronephrosis of the right lower collecting system was diagnosed postnatally.
• A DMSA scan confirmed no radiotracer uptake in the affected right lower pole.

Findings:

• A robot-assisted laparoscopic lower pole partial nephrectomy was successfully performed.
• Postoperative ultrasound at 1 month showed resolution of hydronephrosis and no perinephric fluid collection.

Implications:

• Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is safe and feasible for pediatric patients, including infants.
• The procedure is effective for both upper and lower pole partial nephrectomies in children.
• This minimally invasive approach expands treatment options for complex pediatric urological conditions.