Laparoscopy or retroperitoneoscopy: which is the best approach in pediatric urology?

The emergence of minimally invasive surgery about 20 years ago revolutionized pediatric urology. Advances in pediatric devices allowed the widespread use of minimally invasive techniques in almost the entire range of pediatric urology. In this context, laparoscopy and later retroperitoneoscopy were developed and applied in a wide spectrum of urological diseases. Both approaches have since presented benefits and disadvantages that have been documented in various series. However, few comparative studies have been conducted. The aim of this review is to compare the two approaches and establish which is preferable in each field of pediatric urology.