Purpose: To assess the postoperative outcome in children undergoing pyeloplasty, using a single transanastomotic indigenized stent.
Methods: 329 pyeloplasties were performed by small miniflank incision (3-5 cm) with lateral position for unilateral cases and prone position for bilateral cases during 1993-2009. The procedure involved decompression of the hydronephrotic sac, single layer anastomosis at the PUJ using 5/6-0 suture (reduction of the pelvis if required). An indigenized # 6, Teflon transanastomotic stent (TAS) with multiple holes (modified recently to a self-retaining loop in pelvis) was placed and taken out through the renal pelvis and the main skin incision. The stent served both as a nephrostomy and a stent. The kidney was not mobilized during the procedure. Postoperative results were assessed for early complications.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 3.4 years (1 month-14 years). Bilateral simultaneous pyeloplasties were done in 16 cases with a mean age of 5.6 months (2-12). The stent was removed after 4-5 days in most cases after confirming distal flow on clamping. The post-operative complications included slippage of stent (11), blockage/nondrainage (7), difficult retrieval (4), urine leak (4), urinoma (3) and post-operative infection (1). DTPA scan at 3 months follow-up depicted improved drainage in 271 units, preserved renal function in 58 units and improved renal function more than 5% in 246 units.
Conclusion: Pyeloplasty using a single Teflon TAS is helpful not only in achieving effective drainage in children undergoing pyeloplasty, but also avoids the complications usually encountered with the use of nephrostomies, or double J stents.