Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy: Initial experience

Purpose: Ureterocalicostomy is a reconstructive option in the rare patient with surgically failed or difficult ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction with fibrosis and significant hydronephrosis. We introduce the technique of laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy. Materials and Methods: Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy was performed in 2 patients, of whom 1 had UPJ obstruction and multiple secondary calculi in a dilated, dependent lower pole calix, and 1 had surgically failed UPJ obstruction with a scarred pelvis and significant hydronephrosis. Using a transperitoneal technique the UPJ was dismembered and suture ligated, the cut end of the ureter was spatulated, the attenuated lower pole renal parenchyma was amputated and mucosa-to-mucosa ureterocaliceal anastomosis was performed with running 4-zero absorbable suture over a stent. In the first case 32 renal calculi were also removed using a combination of laparoscopic nephroscopy and intraoperative ultrasonography. Results: In cases 1 and 2 operative time was 5.2 and 2.5 hours, estimated blood loss was 200 and 75 cc, and hospital stay was 2 days, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications. The stent was removed at 8 and 5 weeks, respectively. Postoperative retrograde pyelogram and diuretic renal scan confirmed anastomotic patency and improved drainage in each patient. At 9 months patient 1 remains without flank symptoms and a second renal scan at 6 months showed further improvement in drainage. Patient 2, who continued to be symptomatic with flank discomfort despite objective improvement in drainage parameters, elected secondary nephrectomy at 6 months. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy is feasible and it effectively duplicates established open surgical principles. To our knowledge the initial experience in the literature is presented.