Transvesicoscopic Cohen ureteric reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux in children: a single-centre 5-year experience.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate our results with a new method of intravesical ureteric reimplantation using laparoscopic pneumovesicum in children.


METHODS
Seventy-two patients (mean age 4.2 years, range 0.5-20 years) with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) underwent a laparoscopic transtrigonal ureteric reimplantation with CO(2) pneumovesicum. Ports were inserted suprapubically - 5mm for the camera and two 3-5-mm working ports. Having mobilized the ureter(s) intravesically, a submucosal tunnel is created and ureteric reimplantation performed with 5/0 and 6/0 absorbable sutures. Bladder drainage was maintained for 2-3 days postoperatively. Patients were followed up with clinical assessment and renal ultrasonography+/-voiding cystourethrogram.


RESULTS
Ninety percent had VUR grade > or =3. A total of 113 ureters were reimplanted. The mean operative time was 82min for unilateral and 130min for bilateral reimplantation. Four cases (6%) were converted. Three patients presented with temporary ureteric dilatation without symptoms on follow-up renal ultrasound. Seven patients had postoperative urinary tract infection without persistent reflux on cystography. Follow-up cystogram was performed in 50 patients (81 ureters). Reflux persisted in four patients (8%).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation with CO(2) pneumovesicum is technically feasible with a high success rate (92%). The role of this new technique in the treatment of VUR remains to be determined.
Valla
J S
JS
Fondation Lenval Hopital pour Enfants, 57, Avenue de la Californie, 06200 Nice, France. jean-stephane.valla@lenval.com
Steyaert
H
H
Griffin
S J
SJ
Lauron
J
J
Fragoso
A C
AC
Arnaud
P
P
Léculée
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery*; D001743:Urinary Bladder; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D014718:Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult