Laparoscopic partial nephroureterectomy in the management of duplex kidneys: our institutional experience

Duplication anomalies of the kidney represent common congenital malformations of the urinary tract. A duplex kidney often has one pole that is poorly or non-functioning. In cases with non-functioning moiety, surgery may be indicated. Our main purpose is to study the feasibility and efficacy of Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the management of duplex kidney systems.

A retrospective analysis was done of eight patients ages between 1 and 5 years who underwent laparoscopic upper moiety nephroureterectomy for duplex collecting systems during a period of 5 years from 2018 to 2023.

The average operating time was 130 min with minimal blood loss. No procedure was converted to open. The average hospital stay was 4 days with no postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic partial nephroureterectomy is the preferred treatment for the management of non-functioning upper moiety in a duplex system. Advantages include bird’s eye vision with magnification, easier identification, reduced risk of injuring lower moiety vessels, and no need for an additional step ladder incision. Longer operating time and learning curve are the disadvantages that can be overcome with expertise.