Laparoscopic versus open pyeloplasty in paediatric pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction.

AIM: Compared to open pyeloplasty (OP), we hypothesised that laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) is associated with early recovery, a shorter length of stay (LOS) and less analgesia requirement. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2016, 146 dismembered pyeloplasty cases were reviewed, of which 113 were in the OP group and 33 were in the LP group. We evaluated both groups regarding operative time, LOS, success rate, complications rate and analgesia requirement. Subgroup analysis was done for patients above the age of 5 years, and within the OP group (dorsal lumbotomy (DL) vs. loin incision (LI)). RESULTS: The success rate was 96% in the open group and 97% in the laparoscopic group. The median operative time was significantly shorter in the open group for the entire cohort (127 vs. 200 min; P < 0.05), and in children older than 5 years (n = 41, 134 vs. 225 min; P < 0.05). Other parameters were similar in both groups. The median LOS was significantly shorter (2 vs. 4 days; P < 0.05), and the median analgesia requirement was less (0.44 vs. 0.64 mg/kg morphine; P < 0.05) in the DL (n = 60) compared to LI (n = 53). CONCLUSION: Both OP and LP dismembered approaches are equally effective in treating pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction. Overall, the LOS, complications rate and analgesia requirement were not significantly different; however, the operative time was significantly longer in LP.