Videolaparoscopic lower pole heminephrectomy for treatment of a duplex kidney

Introduction: In a duplicated renal collecting system, or duplex kidney, the most frequent pathology presenting at the lower pole is the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which could lead to urinary tract infections (UTI) or even renal dysplasia. Under some circumstances, such as recurrent UTIs or impaired kidney function, heminephrectomy of the pathologic moiety is indicated. However, there are only few academic videos of laparoscopic lower pole heminephrectomy in the pediatric population available in literature. Therefore, we present a descriptive video of this procedure.

Methods: This video exhibits a case report of a 15-month-old male patient who underwent a videolaparoscopic lower pole heminephrectomy as treatment of a refluxing non-functional lower moiety of a right duplex kidney. Moreover, the patient presented a refluxing contralateral ureter which was endoscopically corrected at the same time.

Results: A laparoscopic right lower pole heminephrectomy associated with an endoscopic contralateral reflux treatment was performed. No complication occurred during hospital stay or at 30-day follow up.

Conclusion: Videolaparoscopic lower pole heminephrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure in the pediatric population. Associating an endoscopic correction of the contralateral side reflux at the same moment shows no additional morbidity or complication.