Laparoscopic trans-mesocolic pyeloplasty in children: initial experience from a center in India.

The aim of the present study is to report our experience with laparoscopic pyeloplasty via trans-mesocolic approach in children with left pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction. Between May 2007 and May 2008, 12 children aged between five and 16 years, with documented PUJ obstruction on the left side, underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty via trans-mesocolic approach. The outcome was assessed by post-operative isotope renal scan. The mean age of the study patients was eight years, ranging between five and 16 years. There were five males and seven females in the study. All children underwent Anderson Hynes Pyeloplasty by a single surgeon. All cases were stented with a JJ stent for a period of six weeks post-operatively. The procedures were completed successfully in all patients without need for conversion to open pyeloplasty in any patient. The mean operative time was 95 min, with a range of 80-140 min. The average blood loss was 57 mL. The mean hospital stay was 3.5 days with a range of 2.5 to six days. All children returned back to school within nine days following surgery. The mean follow-up period was 12 months (range, nine to 14 months). Eleven of the patients were completely asymptomatic, while one reported mild flank pain. All children underwent renal scans and renal ultrasound three months after stent removal. Ten had improved function on the scan while in one patient, the function remained the same and, in another, it showed obstructed response to diuretic, although the symptoms had improved. In all the cases, renal ultrasound showed a decrease in the severity of hydronephrosis by at least one degree. These results confirm that laparoscopic pyeloplasty by trans-mesocolic approach in children for left-sided PUJ obstruction is safe and feasible.