Abstract
BACKGROUND: The management of UPJO with poor function kidney, less than 10%, has been the subject of debate for more than a decade. Some authors have recommended nephrectomy, while others favor renal salvage (pyeloplasty). We report our experience with laparoscopic assisted pyeloplasty in pediatric patients with poorly functioning kidneys in comparison with an open approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to review 65 patients who were diagnosed with hydronephrosis and had impaired renal function due to UPJO. The study was conducted in the pediatric surgery departments of Al-Azhar University Hospital and Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital of Monastir over a period of 20 years. Limited to pediatric patients with UPJO with ≥ Grade III hydronephrosis, antero-posterior pelvic diameter ≥ 20 mm, as well as a renal function equal to or less than 10%, was corrected by laparoscopic assisted or open pyeloplasty. RESULTS: There were 40 cases in group A who underwent laparoscopic assisted pyeloplasty, and 25 cases in group B who underwent open pyeloplasty. There were no complications or difficulties during the operation. The mean operative time in group A was 90 ± 12 min, while in group B, it was 120 ± 11 min. The renal assessment parameters significantly improved in both groups. In group A, the mean split renal function was 7.9 ± 1.3% and increased to 22.2 ± 6.3%. In group B, the mean split renal function was 8.1 ± 1.1% and increased to 24.2 ± 5.1%. However, the differences between both groups in terms of pre-operative and post-operative renal functions were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic assisted pyeloplasty is an effective treatment for patients with poorly functioning kidneys, especially those with less than 10% function. While this surgical procedure requires shorter operative times, it yields functional outcomes that are comparable to open approach.