Single incision laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy in the management of ureteral duplication in children

We present our technique and results of single incision laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy (SILH) in the management of ureteral duplication (UD) in children. Medical records of all patients with UD undergoing SILH in our center from July 2018 to March 2023 were reviewed. For SILH, a single 15 mm umbilical skin incision was made and two 6 mm ports and one 4 mm port were placed at different points at the same incision. Conventional 3–5 mm straight laparoscopic instruments were used without any abdominal drain. 8 children (6 girls and 2 boys, aged 3–45 months) with symptomatic UD were enrolled. Five patients had UD on the left and three on the right side. The operative duration was 100 - 140 min. There was no need for an additional port or conversion to open surgery and no intraoperative complications. All the patients recovered well, resumed oral feeding on POD 1 day, and were discharged on POD 3–6. At a follow-up of 8 – 30 months, all patients were asymptomatic. Postoperative cosmesis was excellent as all patients were virtually scarless. Our technique of SILH with conventional laparoscopic instruments for ureteral duplication in children is feasible, safe, with excellent cosmesis.