Introduction

Hydronephrosis is usually caused by obstruction of the outflow of urine from the kidney, especially secondary to ureteral obstruction.

Objective

The aim of the current study was to report a case of successful treatment of unilateral hydronephrosis in a cat using the laparoscopic approach for nephrectomy.

Methods

A 6-year-old Persian cat was presenting anorexia and vomiting for a month. Abdominal echography showed a large hypoechoic area in the center of the left kidney, concentric increase in cortical layer and marked destruction of renal calices. Severe hydronephrosis was diagnosed and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was indicated. The patient was positioned in left lateral recumbency under general anesthesia and a three-port laparoscopic approach was performed at the left lateral abdominal area. The enlarged left kidney was located. The renal hilum was dissected. The renal vein and artery were double ligated using titanium clips and the ureter was resected following ligation using the same technique at the level of the iliac vessels. The specimen was inserted into retrieval bag and morcellated using forceps and manual technique. The incisions were sutured routinely.

Results

The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 2nd day post-op. On the 7th day of follow-up, new serum BUN was assessed and revealed normal renal activity.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic nephrectomy was feasible and led to fast recovery and short convalescence in a cat bearing unilateral hydronephrosis and should be considered as an option minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery.