Pediatric Laparoscopic Nephrectomy in Honduras: Report of the First 25 cases

Abstract

Introduction: The first pediatric laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed by Dr. Martin Koyle on an 8 month old child with multicystic renal dysplasia.This procedure is accepted as the gold standard for performing any nephrectomy in benign renal disease in adults or children since it allows better anatomical exposure and better vascular control with a shorter hospital stay, less use of analgesics, and better anesthetic results. Description of clinical cases: We present a series of cases of laparoscopic nephrectomy from august 2001 to august 2019 performed at the Hospital of Specialties of the Honduran Institute of Social Security, located in the La Granja neighborhood of Tegucigalpa. Consecutively including all patients who required a nephrectomy scheduled for benign renal pathology. During this period, 12 renal dysplasias, 9 obstructive hydronephrosis, 2 refulx nephropathy and 2 ectopic kidneys were diagnosed. This being prenatal in 23 of the patients and 2 postnatal cases, a urinary infection and hypertension. A total of 25 laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed safely and successfully without any conversion to open surgery or morbidities. All patients started the oral route 6 hours after surgery and were discharged before completing 24 hours in the hospital. Conclusions: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a safe and successful procedure in pediatrics, even when operating time is longer, it allows earlier initiation of the oral route, early discharge with superior aesthetic results.