title: Retroperitoneoscopic treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate feasibility and safety of retroperitoneoscopic treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  11 patients with symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction were selected for retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty. Operative time ranged between 2 h 30 min and 4 h (mean 3 h 10 min); in 5 cases we had to convert to open surgery and an open pyeloplasty was performed through a minimal (6 cm) lombotomic incision.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Follow-up IVPs were performed in all patients approximately 2-3 weeks after stent removal. In all patients, a reduction in the grade of hydronephrosis was observed. Significant improvement was noticed in 9 patients; in 2 patients a moderate improvement was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experience with retroperitoneoscopic treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction demonstrates that also with this approach it is possible to perform reconstructive procedures, with minimal complications. Technical refinements will progressively reduce the conversion rate to open surgery, even if done through minilaparotomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, S. Corona Hospital, Pietra Ligure/SV, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Puppo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perachino
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ricciotti
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bozzo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pezzica
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000601:surgery*; D012449:Safety; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014567:Urography