Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in selected patients with ectopic pelvic kidney: a feasible minimally invasive treatment option.

Background And Purpose: Ectopic pelvic kidney is a rare congenital anomaly. It carries more risks for obstruction and stone formation than a normal located kidney. The treatment of renal stones in these patients is challenging. We present our experience with laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for treatment of selected patients with large and multiple renal stones in ectopic pelvic kidneys.

Patients And Methods: After insertion of a ureteral catheter, pneumoperitoneum was achieved by Veress needle, and the kidney was exposed. The renal pelvis was identified, dissected, and opened. The stones were extracted using laparoscopic forceps. The rigid nephroscope was used to extract any caliceal stones. The renal pelvis was sutured, and the stones were removed from the peritoneal cavity. The procedure was concluded after placement of an intraperitoneal drain.

Results: A total of 11 patients with large renal pelvic and/or multiple stones underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal pyelolithotomy. A transmesenteric approach was used in eight patients while the colon was mobilized off the kidney in three patients. All stones were removed except one that needed Double-J stent placement and one session of shockwave lithotripsy. After one auxiliary procedure, the stone-free rate was 100%. There were no major intraopertive or postoperative complications. Within a mean follow-up period of 23 months, no stone recurrence occurred.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for large and multiple stones in ectopic pelvic kidneys is a feasible minimally invasive treatment option. The technique allows removal of all the stones without fragmentation, which may decrease the possibility for rapid stone recurrence.