Background/purpose: Laparoscopic surgery is playing an increasingly important role in pediatric urology. It has emerged as an alternative means of performing nephroureterectomy. The authors report their experience with laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in children.
Methods: Between July 1996 and August 1997, six patients aged between 3 months and 5 years, 9 months (average, 35 months) underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. The transperitoneal approach was used in all cases.
Results: Operating times ranged from 110 to 265 minutes, averaging 176 minutes. No early or late postoperative complications were noted. Five of six patients resumed oral feeding on the first postoperative day. Four of six patients were discharged on the second postoperative day.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is a safe and feasible alternative to the open method in children. It is associated with good surgical results and favorable postoperative patient recovery.