Horseshoe kidney: retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy.

The ideal approach for nephrectomy in the child with horseshoe kidney is debatable. We present two such children who underwent nephrectomy by a retroperitoneoscopic approach. Recognition of its anatomical variation is essential in the management of horseshoe kidney. Surgery is high risk, even using a traditional open procedure, because loss of the remaining half of the kidney is catastrophic.