Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Duplex Kidneys in Infants and Children: How We Do It

Duplication anomalies of the kidney represent common congenital malformations of the urinary tract. A duplex kidney has often one pole that is poorly or nonfunctioning. In this last case, surgery may be indicated to remove the nonfunctioning pole. The most common indications for partial nephrectomy in pediatrics include symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux to the nonfunctioning pole and/or ectopic ureter or ureterocele causing urinary incontinence. In this article, we describe the technique of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in infants and children with duplex kidney. A surgical procedure properly executed following critical technical steps is the key factor for the success of surgery.