Pneumovesicoscopic diverticulectomy in children and adolescents: is open surgery still indicated?
OBJECTIVE
Surgical treatment of a congenital bladder diverticulum is indicated in symptomatic children. Diverticulectomy can be performed by an open or a laparoscopic approach. We report our recent experience in using the pneumovesicoscopic approach for accomplishing vesical diverticulectomy.


METHODS
We operated on three boys with a mean age of 11.6 years (10-14 years) during August 2006 to February 2007. In all children, a ureteric catheter was introduced first by cystoscopy followed by intravesical CO(2) insufflation at a pressure of 12-15 mmHg. Three trocars were inserted under visual control in the bladder. Diverticulectomy was performed. The defect was closed by interrupted sutures. Bladder drainage was achieved using a urethral catheter for 2 days.


RESULTS
The mean operative time was 133.3 min (100-180 min). Oral intake began after a mean of 5.3h (4-6h). Minimal blood loss was encountered. Non-steroidal analgesics were used only during the 1st day postoperatively with no need for morphine. All patients were discharged on the 2nd day postoperatively after removal of the urethral catheter and tube drain. The mean follow-up period was 5 months (3-6 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Pneumovesicoscopic diverticulectomy is a feasible procedure. It does not require a long learning curve, and is associated with shorter hospital stay and rapid recovery with good cosmetic aspect. Pneumovesicoscopy has the potential to be used in the treatment of other conditions such as vesicoureteral reflux, and may replace open surgery.
Badawy
Haytham
H
Section of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt. hithamalmetwale@yahoo.com
Eid
Ahmed
A
Hassouna
Mohammed
M
Elkarim
Aly Abd
AA
Elsalmy
Salah
S
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003558:Cystoscopy; D004240:Diverticulum / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D001745:Urinary Bladder Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization