Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common congenital abnormality of the kidney and is responsible for flank pain, recurrent urinary infections, hydronephrosis and the loss of renal function. Until recently, open pyeloplasty (OP) was the standard surgical treatment modality for UPJO.However, with the development of laparoscopic devices and surgical technology, laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) has become a more beneficial choice for the patients with UPJO than open surgery because of the advantages of excellent visualization, minimal trauma, rapid postoperative recovery, good cosmetic result, and a nearly successful rate compared with open pyeloplasty. The first LP in children was performed in 1995. It has gained popularity for older children. LP can be performed though retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches. Which surgical method is better is still controversial.
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) via retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches.