156: Laparoscopic excision of prostatic utricles in children.

Introduction: To report our experience of laparoscopic excision of symptomatic prostatic utricles in children. Methods: five males were treated from February 2002 to February 2007. Age at surgery was between 3 and 12 years (mean 7.6). four patients showed severe hypospadias. Three patients presented with urogenital infections. Laparoscopic procedures were performed using a 12 mm umbilical trocar for the camera and 3, 5 mm trocars for instruments placed in the suprapubic region and iliac fossa bilaterally. Cysto-urethroscopy and cannulation of the prostatic utricle was initially undertaken with a cystoscope that was left in situ inside the prostatic utricle to facilitate subsequent identification and mobilization during the laparoscopic procedure in the first patien. The remnants were ligated with endoscopic loops or Hem-O-Lock. Results: Laparoscopic excision of the prostatic utricle was successful in all five patients. The urethral defect was closed by intracorporeal suturing in three patients while the defect was small enough to be adequately closed by ultrasonic coagulation in two. The mean (range) operative duration was 108 (80.140) min. All five patients recovered uneventfully with no complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopic excision is effective for symptomatic prostatic utricles, offering a good surgical view and decreases surgical risk and operative time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]