Minimally invasive surgical management of pelvic-ureteric junction obstruction: update on the current status of robotic-assisted pyeloplasty.

Background: Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is characterized by a functionally significant impairment of urinary transport caused by intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction in the area where the ureter joins the renal pelvis. The majority of cases are congenital in origin; however, acquired conditions at the level of the ureteropelvic junction may also present with symptoms and signs of obstruction. Historically, open pyeloplasty and endoscopic techniques have been the main surgical options with the intent of complete excision or incision of the obstruction.

Vascular anomalies during laparoscopic renal surgery: incidence and management of left-sided inferior vena cava.

Background: Left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC) is an unusual abnormality that may be clinically significant during renal surgery.

Methods: We report the unique case of a patient with a centrally located left renal mass who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. During the hilar dissection, unusual vascular anatomy was encountered.

Critical analysis of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in the setting of complex renal vasculature: initial experience and intermediate outcomes.

Objective: We report our experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) in the setting of complex renal vasculature and critically analyze the technique and intermediate recipient outcomes.

Methods: Thirty-nine living renal donors with multiple renal arteries or veins, or anomalous venous anatomy, who underwent LDN between 2003 and 2007 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and perioperative data were collected on donors and recipients.

Cryoablation of small renal tumors in patients with solitary kidneys: initial experience.

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of renal cryoablation in patients with solitary kidneys with the goals of tumor destruction and maximal renal parenchymal preservation. Methods.

Adrenal-preserving minimally invasive surgery: update on the current status of laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy.

Adrenalectomy is the standard of care for hormonally active adrenal masses. In recent years, minimally invasive laparoscopic excision has become a preferred management option. As with advances in parenchymal-sparing renal surgery, investigators have begun to examine adrenal-sparing procedures to preserve functional adrenal tissue.

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma: diagnosis and management.

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas (EAPs) may arise in any portion of the paraganglion system, though they most commonly occur below the diaphragm, frequently in the organ of Zuckerkandl. EAPs probably represent at least 15% of adult and 30% of childhood pheochromocytomas, as opposed to the traditional teaching that 10% of all pheochromocytomas are at extra-adrenal sites. They may be malignant in up to 40% of the cases, though conflicting data add to the uncertainty of this point.