The retroperitoneal, inguinal approach to distal part of the ureter

INTRODUCTION The inguinal approach to the distal part of the ureter allows the surgeon to perform various types of procedures and is considered to be one of the minimally invasive techniques in pediatric surgery. We aim to describe our initial experience with the surgery of the distal ureter performed through an inguinal mini-incision. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between March 2012 and June 2013, 8 patients were treated using a minimally invasive inguinal technique. The indications for surgical correction were single system primary obstructive megaureter, obstructive megaureter of the upper pole in a duplex kidney and distal ureteral stones. In all patients with single system obstructive megaureter and significant hydronephrosis, ureterocutaneostomy was performed. In one patient with duplex system primary obstructive megaureter and significant hydronephrosis of the upper pole, ureteroureterostomy of the dilated ureter to the normal caliber ureter in the distal part was performed. In the second patient with duplex system primary obstructive megaureter and reduced marker excretion of the upper pole in renal scintigraphy, ureterocutaneostomy was performed. In both cases of distal ureteral stones, deposits were removed by a simple incision. RESULTS We did not observe any perioperative or postoperative complications. The imaging studies have shown that ureteral dilatation decreased in all but one child in whom the upper pole and the ureter were resected due to lack of function. CONCLUSIONS The inguinal approach allows for the adequate visualization of the distal ureter, creating the conditions for implementation of the various procedures, reduces the risk of retrovesical plexus injury and minimizes visible scars.