Laparoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux in the pig

Extravesical detrusorrhaphy is a modification of the Lich-Gregoir antireflux procedure that incorporates ureteral advancement into the repair. We report on our use of laparoscopic detrusorrhaphy to correct vesicoureteral reflux in an animal model. Reflux was created by transurethral incision of the roof of each ureteral orifice. In phase 1 of this study, laparoscopic repair was performed 1 week later in 3 pigs and an open technique was done in the remainder. In phase 2 laparoscopic repair was done in 3 pigs 3 weeks after inducing vesicoureteral reflux. All phase 1 repairs successfully corrected reflux but 1 ureter in the laparoscopic group developed obstruction. All phase 2 repairs were successful, which was determined by preoperative and postoperative cystography, and a postoperative excretory urogram. Average time was 2 hours 21 minutes for laparoscopic repair and 1 hour 10 minutes for the open procedure. Complications included bladder perforation and ureteral obstruction in 1 case each with no postoperative deaths. These preliminary results indicate that laparoscopic detrusorrhaphy is a feasible procedure in a porcine model.