title: Extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: initial experience in 15 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility and results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  From September 1996 to January 1999, 15 patients underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Aberrant vessels were noted in 4 patients. Dismembered pyeloplasty was performed in 7 patients and nondismembered Fenger plasty in 7 patients. Pyeloplasty was not possible in 1 patient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen of the 15 procedures were successfully completed. The procedure was not possible in 1 patient who had already undergone endopyelotomy repair. The mean operating time was 178 minutes (range 100 to 250), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 days (range 1 to 14). Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients (two hematomas and one urinoma). Radiographic assessment by intravenous urography 3 months after the procedure showed good results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retroperitoneoscopy, by providing easy and rapid access to the retroperitoneal space, seems to be a valuable alternative treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Ben Slama
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Salomon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hoznek
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cicco
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Saint
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Alame
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Antiphon
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Chopin
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Abbou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007682:Kidney Pelvis; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*