Preliminary experience with laparoscopic ureteropelvic junction release in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Objective: To review our experience with laparoscopic ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) release in the treatment of UPJ obstruction (UPJO) in adults.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 44 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic treatment of UPJO at our institution between December 2000 and April 2008. Patient characteristics, perioperative data, intraoperative findings leading to a decision to perform UPJ release, and outcomes were recorded.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children.

Purpose: To review the history of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in children, describe technical considerations, including advancements in equipment, and discuss future directions.

Materials And Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed to evaluate the use of PCNL in the pediatric population, including historical background, indications, operative techniques, and outcomes.

Results: PCNL was first applied to the pediatric population in the 1980s using adult-size instruments.