Vaginal bleeding in a misdiagnosed Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a spectrum of anomalies arising from incomplete development of the Müllerian ducts, is characterised by congenital aplasia of the uterus and upper part of the vagina, often in the absence of other phenotypical abnormalities. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl referred to our endocrinology unit after an incidental finding of uterine agenesis during laparoscopy to correct suspected ovarian torsion. Initial transabdominal ultrasonography found no uterus. Given her normal secondary sex characteristics, karyotype and hormone profile, MRKH syndrome was initially diagnosed. However, after vaginal bleeding compatible with menstruation, repeat transabdominal ultrasonography and MRI revealed a left-deviated unicornuate uterus.

Heminephroureterectomy for duplex kidney: laparoscopy versus open surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy (Hnu) in pediatric patients with duplex anomalies, in comparison to open surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of data from patients who underwent Hnu from 2005 to 2008 was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopic (LHnu) and open surgery (OHnu). Laparoscopic surgery was performed by transperitoneal approach in majority of cases. Open surgery was performed by retroperitoneal approach in all cases. RESULTS: Group LHnu: nine patients (8 females, 1 male) with median age of 14 months (range 3-205). Transperitoneal approach was performed in eight patients. Mean operative time was 182 min (CI 95% 146-217). No conversion to open surgery was necessary and there were no complications. Mean hospital stay was 2.44 days (CI 95% 1.37-3.52). Group OHnu: eight patients (3 females, 5 males) underwent nine heminephrectomies at median age of 6.9 months (range 1-12). Mean operating time was 152 min (CI 95% 121-183). There were no complications and mean hospital stay was 4.38 (CI 95% 2.59-6.16) days. Statistical analysis showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in operating time between groups while mean hospital stay was significant (P=0.021). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach is feasible, safe, reduces hospital stay, does not increase operating time and has better cosmetic results. We believe this should be the first option for heminephrectomy.