Retroperitoneoscopic pre-transplant native kidney nephrectomy

AIMS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy has become a standardized procedure for removal of benign non-functioning kidneys. We present our experience of retroperitoneoscopic pre-transplant native kidneys nephrectomy. METHODS: Comparison of 40 patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopy with 40 open simple pre-transplant nephrectomy patients was done. RESULTS: Forty retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomies were done between June 2003 and April 2005. The mean operative time was similar in the two groups; however, the mean blood loss, postoperative analgesic requirement, complication rate, hospital stay and convalescence period were significantly less in the retroperitoneoscopic group. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy should be offered as the primary treatment modality to patients requiring pre-transplant native kidney nephrectomy, except in patients where it is contraindicated.