Early experience of retroperitoneoscopic surgery in paediatric population

Objective: To present our early experience with retroperitoneoscopic surgery in paediatric population suffering from various urologic conditions. Patients undergone retroperitoneoscopic urological procedures from January 2012 to Methods: May 2013 were included in the study. Retroperitoneoscopy was performed in lateral position using standard three port technique (5mm including camera port). Parameters like intraoperative complications, operating time, difficulty in surgery, conversion to open, postoperative complications, analgesic requirement and final outcome were analysed. From January 2012 to Results: May 2013, eight patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic urological procedures. There were two females and six males; median age at procedure was 5 years (3-12 years). Surgeries performed were nephroureterectomy ( ) in non-functioning kidney NFU (four) and nephrectomy in multicystic dysplastic kidney (four). Two patients were converted to open because of pyonephrotic kidney with severe adhesions due to previous . Average duration of surgery was 80 minutes for and 63 minutes for PCN NFU nephrectomy. There was minimal blood loss and no intraoperative complications. The two patients who were converted to open had superficial wound infection managed by intravenous antibiotics and dressing. Patients were started orally within 24 hrs. All returned to normal daily activity within 2-4 days of surgery. Six patients were discharged on day three after the drain removal. All of the patients were asymptomatic in follow up. The retroperitoneoscopic procedure is easy and feasible in Conclusion: paediatric population. It can be performed safely, with minimal postoperative pain, excellent cosmetic results and early ambulation. Patient selection is of paramount importance to avoid conversion to open.