Pioneering the Retroperitoneal Frontier: First Place at PESICON New Delhi
At PESICON 2018 in New Delhi—the annual national congress of the Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons of India—Dr. Raghul M was awarded the First Place Award for his pioneering clinical work on retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty in children with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). This distinguished national accolade recognized Dr. Raghul M’s mastery of one of the most technically formidable approaches in modern endosurgery: repairing renal obstruction through micro-incisions placed directly into the retroperitoneal flank space, completely bypassing the abdominal cavity and intestines.
The Surgical Mastery of Retroperitoneoscopic Pyeloplasty in Children
Standard transperitoneal laparoscopy requires mobilizing the colon and entering the peritoneal cavity. In small children, this carries potential risks of post-operative paralytic ileus, internal adhesions, and bowel irritation. In contrast, Dr. Raghul M’s retroperitoneoscopic technique creates an optical working space outside the peritoneum using controlled balloon dissection. Through three tiny 3mm and 5mm ports in the child's flank, the renal pelvis and ureter are dissected directly. The adynamic, obstructing junctional segment is cleanly excised, the lower renal calyx is decompressed, and an anatomically perfect Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty is performed using 6-0 and 7-0 monofilament sutures—all without disturbing a single loop of bowel.
Sub-Millimeter Intracorporeal Microsuturing in a 4cm Working Space
Operating in the restricted retroperitoneal space of an infant—often measuring less than 4x5 centimeters—requires supreme spatial orientation, instrument economy, and absolute hand stability. Dr. Raghul M’s unedited operative video demonstrated watertight, tension-free spatulated uretero-pelvic anastomosis performed entirely inside this compact space. The PESI national jury specifically lauded his gentle tissue manipulation, absence of internal bleeding, and flawless double-J (JJ) stent placement, heralding it as an exemplary surgical benchmark for pediatric surgeons across India.
Clinical Outcomes: Over 98% Success Rate and Same-Day Feeding in Chennai
For infants and children diagnosed with severe hydronephrosis in Chennai, Dr. Raghul M’s retroperitoneal approach offers enormous clinical advantages. Because the abdominal cavity is never breached, children experience virtually zero post-operative nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distension. They drink milk and eat within 4 to 6 hours of surgery, require minimal mild oral pain relief, and are routinely discharged home within 24 to 36 hours. Post-operative nuclear renal scans confirm complete, permanent relief of obstruction with pristine renal preservation in over 98% of cases.
Ceremonial First Place Plaque & National Felicitation
During the valedictory banquet in New Delhi, the PESI National Executive Council presented Dr. Raghul M with the official First Place commemorative plaque, framed certificate of merit, and national felicitation before an assembly of the country’s foremost laparoscopic pioneers.