Laparoscopic retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy in children

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate our experience in the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach in total and partial nephrectomies in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic total or partial nephrectomies performed in our center from 2004 to 2012. We looked at the demographic data, age at surgery, indication, operative time, surgical complications, conversion to open surgery and operative complications. RESULTS: Thirty-five total and six partial nephrectomies (upper pole) were performed. The mean age was 84 months (7-175). Vesicoureteric reflux, pelviureteric junction obstruction, and multicystic dysplastic kidney disease were the main underlying pathologies. The mean operative time was 158 min (60-280). There were no intraoperative complications (surgical and anesthetic), and no significant blood loss was observed. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in two cases caused by failure to progress due to difficult anatomy during the partial nephrectomies. No major postoperative complications were noted. The mean hospital stay was 2.5 days (1-5). A drain was used in 12 cases and was removed after a mean of 2 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery can be carried out safely and effectively in children. Still, this procedure is more challenging and requires an excellent image of the retroperitoneal space, especially when partial nephrectomies are concerned.