Objective: To analyze the initial experience in our first patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) treated by laparoscopic surgery.
Patients and methods: All laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties performed from July 2007 to April 2009 were analyzed. Before surgery, patients underwent a renal ultrasound and isotope renogram. A double J catheter was left in place and subsequently removed. Patients were followed up by ultrasound and renography.
Results: Fourteen patients with a median age of 8.6 years were analyzed. Preoperative ultrasound showed a median renal pelvis diameter of 34.5 mm. Median operating time was 235 min, and median hospital stay 5.5 days. Median renal pelvis diameter decreased in all patients (13.5 mm).
Conclusions: Laparoscopy is an effective procedure for UPJO correction in children, although operating times are still long.