The Optimal Suture Bite Depth in Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: A Comparative Study in Children.

Modified Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty is currently preferred for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Extravasation of urine and anastomotic stenosis are the most common complications after Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty, which are closely linked with the technique for anastomosis. However, there are currently no clear guidelines for the suture bite depth in suturing the anastomosis during pyeloplasty. To analyze the optimal suture bite depth in laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. A total of 90 children aged 4-14 years with UPJO-induced hydronephrosis who were surgically treated in the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang from July 2019 to July 2022 were prospectively recruited. All received laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty using 5-0 Vicryl continuous sutures. According to the suture bite depth, the patients were divided into group A (depth 1 mm,  = 46) and group B (depth 0.5 mm,  = 44). Operation time, postoperative drainage volume, time of ureteral stent removal, incidence of postoperative complications, and time to hydronephrosis resolution were compared between groups. Group A showed significantly less postoperative drainage volume, and shorter time of ureteral stent removal and hydronephrosis resolution (all  < .05). Four cases in group B received replacement of a double-J stent. Except for 1 patient receiving reoperation for anastomotic stenosis caused by massive extravasation of urine, the replaced double-J stent was successfully removed from the remaining 3 patients at 3 months, and the symptoms of anastomotic stenosis disappeared. No significant difference was detected in the operation time between groups ( > .05). An appropriate deeper suture bite depth for anastomosis may reduce postoperative urine extravasation and related complications in children who received laparoscopic pyeloplasty for UPJO-induced hydronephrosis.