Transanastomotic stents for dismembered pyeloplasty in children

Abstract

Among pediatric urologists, there is a debate whether to drain the upper system after pyeloplasty in children. In a prospective, randomized clinical study we compared the early and late results of patients operated upon for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with or without a transanastomotic stent. Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was performed in 31 children during a 5-year period. In 15 a transanastomotic stent with multiple holes was used; the upper system was not drained in 16. A Penrose drain was placed in the perinephritic area in all patients. Patients were evaluated in regard to the time of removal of the stent and the Penrose drain, duration of urine leakage, and duration of hospital stay in the early postoperative period, and favorable or unfavorable outcome during follow-up. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in regard to the removal time of the stent and Penrose drain, duration of drainage, duration of hospitalization, and early or late complications between the groups. Although stenting does not increase morbidity, we believe that pyeloplasty can be performed in children without upper-tract drainage. A feeding tube with multiple holes at the tip is recommended.