Simplified upper pole nephrectomy: initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the results of an upper pole nephrectomy technique on 5 children.


METHODS
Upper pole nephrectomy was performed on 5 children, including 4 females and 1 male. Age ranged from 3 to 6 years old. The technique was performed without initial dissection of the renal pedicle. The upper pole is incised and removed. Upon its complete dissection, the segment that drains the upper pole is easily identified, clamped and sectioned.


RESULTS
Three children with ureterocele and 2 with ectopic ureter underwent this procedure. There was no intra- or postoperative complication with this technique. DSMA scintigraphy showed no decrease in renal function in the remaining kidney following the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
The polar nephrectomy technique is simple, and has the advantage of not approaching the renal hilum, which makes surgery less laborious and prevents risk of renal damage, hemorrhage and decreased function in the remaining renal portion.
Barroso
Ubirajara
U
Department of Urology, San Raphael Hospital and Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. ubarroso@uol.com.br
Vinhaes
Antonio J
AJ
Barros
Milton S
MS
Calado
Adriano A
AA
Macedo
Antonio
A
Srougi
Miguel
M
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014518:Ureterocele / Q000209:etiology