Laparoscopically assisted ureterocystoplasty

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopically assisted ureterocystoplasty (LAU) in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1999 to 2001, five patients (mean age 7 years, range 3.5-13) from four centres underwent LAU with laparoscopic mobilization of the small kidney and upper ureter combined with ureterocystoplasty, with exposure of the bladder through a Pfannenstiel incision. The details and outcomes are reviewed. RESULTS The LAU was successful in all five patients; there were no complications. A large midline incision was avoided and the LAU carried out through the better tolerated and less painful Pfannenstiel incision. CONCLUSION LAU is an appealing technique that is safe with the added benefit of a reduced abdominal incision and acceptable operative duration. This represents the first published report of LAU.