Abstract
Introduction
The gold standard procedure for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction has been the Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty; involving the repositioning of the ureter and ureteropelvic anastomosis. However, the Hellstroem 'Vascular Hitch Procedure’ dictates the superior translocation of the accessory vessel and its fixation to the anterior pelvic wall. The latter has an estimated success rate >90%.
Method
During 2016-2020, at Leicester Royal Infirmary, 16 operations occurred on paediatric patients with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction. The dismembered pyeloplasty was performed on 5 patients, 9 patients underwent the vascular hitch procedure, and 2 patients are currently awaiting the latter operation. All patients had a pre-operative functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) to identify and localise the accessory lower pole vessel.
Results
The mean hospital stay for the vascular hitch procedure was 1.5 days (range=1-2) in comparison to 4 days (range=3-5) for the dismembered pyeloplasty. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3 years. Overall, it was noted that the patients were asymptomatic, had markedly reduced hydronephrosis on imaging as well as stable renal function noted on the MAG 3 renogram scan.
Conclusions
The laparoscopic vascular hitch procedure appears to be the superior operation for the management of pelvi-uteric junction obstruction as the patients had notably reduced hospital stay lengths.
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