Single-port nephrectomy in infants: Initial experience.

INTRODUCTION

Single port surgery (SPS) for the treatment of several pathologies is gradually replacing the classic laparoscopic procedures. The objective of this work is to present our experience with umbilical SPS nephrectomy in infants.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Six infants underwent SPS nephrectomy. Under direct vision a single port with three inserts was placed through the umbilicus into the peritoneal cavity. A conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed in all cases.

RESULTS

The average of age at time of surgery was 12 months (range: 8-16 months) and the mean weight 10.6 kg (range: 9.67-12 kg). The cause of nonfunction kidney was ureteropelvic junction obstruction in one case (16.7%) and dysgenic kidney in five one (83.3%). SPS nephrectomy was completed in all infants and there were no complications. The mean operation time was 100 min (range: 90-120 min). Mean time of stay in hospital was 2 days.

CONCLUSIONS

SPS nephrectomy in infants is feasible and offers a safe, cosmetic alternative to conventional laparoscopy. The limited working space in infants makes the technique more difficult but we think that the development of new pediatric material will allow us to performed more complicated procedures.