Preoperative biliary drainage significantly increases the rates of bile culture positive for bacteria and the probability of wound infection. Bile cultures positive for bacteria adversely impact mortality and morbidity after surgery in jaundiced patients. Although no evidence has been found by this review that PBD directly increases mortality and morbidity, it is possible that in certain patients, PBD may deleteriously affect outcome by bacterial contamination of the bile.

This study suggests that laparoscopic pyeloplasty can now be performed in young children with good results.

Lower limb bypasses using arm vein can be performed with favourable patency and limb salvage compared to synthetic conduits. However, secondary interventions are frequently required to maintain patency. We recommend a vigilant surveillance program for early identification of patency threatening disease.

Infrainguinal bypass surgery with arm vein can be performed safely with favourable patency and high rates of limb salvage. Secondary interventions to maintain patency are common and we recommend a vigilant surveillance programme to identify the threatened graft.