Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty and Flexible Nephroscopy: Simultaneous Treatment of Ureteroplevic Junction Obstruction and Nephrolithiasis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and concomitant calculus disease may coexist. Therapeutic controversy exists regarding their ideal management. We report our use of flexible nephroscopy during laparoscopic pyeloplasty for caliceal stone removal. METHODS: From August 1998 through May 2002, 50 laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed. Seven patients had documented ureteropelvic junction obstruction and ipsilateral nephrolithiasis. Preoperative stone burden and location were assessed. After pyelotomy, a 16 Fr flexible endoscope was passed through the uppermost trocar under direct laparoscopic guidance into the collecting system. Stone extraction was performed with a 2.4 Fr Nitinol basket. Postoperative imaging was assessed. RESULTS: Complete stone-free status confirmed by postoperative imaging was achieved in 6 of 7 patients. The longest individual stone diameter ranged from 4 mm to 13 mm (mean, 10.3 mm), and an average of 2.5 stones per patient was removed (range, 1 to 4 stones). Neither intraoperative fluoroscopy nor lithotripsy was required. No intraoperative or delayed complications were noted during a mean follow-up of 8.5 months (range, 2 to 17 months). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty and concomitant flexible nephroscopy with basket extraction is a simple, attractive alternative for the simultaneous treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction presenting with coexisting nephrolithiasis. It appears more efficacious when the stone number is limited and diameters measure from 5 mm to 20 mm.