Robot-assisted laparoscopic ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy for ectopic ureters in children: description of technique.

PURPOSE: We report our experience and present our technique with the robot-assisted laparoscopic ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (IUU) in the management of ureteral duplication with ectopia in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed our institutional experience for all patients who underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic IUU at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital between December 2010 and October 2011. An intraoperative, three-port technique was used after a ureteral stent was placed into the ipsilateral lower pole. Demographic information, diagnosis, operative time, hospital course, complications, and follow-up were all evaluated.

RESULTS: Our series included four female patients and one male patient with a mean age of 61 months (6 to 182 mos). All five had a diagnosis of upper pole ectopic ureters, one of which was associated with an ureterocele. Mean total operative time was 225 minutes (181 to 253 min), and mean hospital stay was 1.2 days (1-2 days). There were no intraoperative complications. In follow-up, at the time of ureteral stent removal, pyelonephritis developed in one patient, but all patients had resolution of their presenting symptoms including urinary tract infections and incontinence. A significant reduction in upper pole hydronephrosis was seen in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicates that robot-assisted laparoscopic IUU is safe and effective in the management of ureteral duplication anomalies in children.