Laparoscopic retroperitoneal renal and adrenal surgery in children

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively assess the use of a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach for simple nephrectomy and adrenalectomy in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All retroperitoneal laparoscopic renal and adrenal procedures carried out in children and completed between 1993 and March 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. Analgesic requirements, hospital stay, complications and blood loss were reviewed. The technique is described in detail. RESULTS: Forty-eight retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedures were completed in 48 patients (mean age 5.5 years, range 0.5-16). The procedures included nephrectomy (22), nephroureterectomy (15), renal biopsy (six), cyst ablation (two) and simple adrenalectomy (three). In all, 11 procedures were undertaken in children aged < 2 years. Forty-one (91%) of the children undergoing renal procedures were discharged in < 24 h. Two patients underwent three adrenalectomies. Two children required conversion to open surgery, one undergoing a right-sided adrenalectomy and one a nephrectomy. The mean operative duration for nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy was 75 min, and for adrenalectomy was 115 min. CONCLUSION: Renal and adrenal surgery in children is a safe and rapid procedure with retroperitoneal laparoscopy. The operative duration for nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy are frequently < 1 h. In addition, laparoscopic surgery offers significant advantages in terms of cosmesis and a quicker recovery.     

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open nephrectomy in the pediatric population

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic renal surgery has become an accepted approach for benign disease in adults. We compare our experience with laparoscopic and open nephrectomy in a pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 pediatric patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy and an additional 10 consecutive children underwent similar open procedures. All patients had benign disease and were treated at a single institution. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for relevant clinical data. RESULTS: Planned surgery was completed in all cases. There were no conversions to open surgery in the laparoscopic group. Mean operative time was 175.6 versus 120.2 minutes (p = 0.01) and mean hospital stay was 22.5 versus 41.3 hours (p = 0.03) in the laparoscopic and open nephrectomy groups, respectively. Blood loss was not statistically different. Analgesic use was qualitatively less in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy may be performed safely in children. While operative time was somewhat longer in our initial laparoscopic series, postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter than for open surgery. Further experience with this technique is warranted.     

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic versus open pyeloplasty in children

PURPOSE: The indications for laparoscopy in pediatric urology are expanding and yet the advantages over open surgery remain unclear. We compared the results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic vs open pyeloplasty for pyeloureteral junction obstruction in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 children with a mean age of 88 months (range 25 to 192) underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty via the retroperitoneal approach. An additional 17 children with a mean age of 103 months (range 37 to 206) underwent similar procedures via open surgery through a flank incision. We retrospectively analyzed and compared operative time, the use of analgesics (acetaminophen or morphine derivatives) and hospital stay. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar in mean age and weight at surgery. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the open surgery vs the laparoscopy group (96 minutes, range 50 to 150 vs 219, range 140 to 310, p <0.0001). Mean postoperative use of acetaminophen (1.9 vs 3.22 days, p = 0.03) and morphine derivatives (1.9 vs 3.06 days, p not significant) was less in the laparoscopy group. Mean hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopy group than in the open surgery group (2.4 days, range 1 to 5 vs 5, range 3 to 7, p <0.0001). Mean followup was 21 (range 12 to 51) and 24 months (range 12 to 60) in the open and laparoscopy groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The operative time of laparoscopic pyeloplasty remains significantly longer than that of the open procedure in children. The main advantage of the laparoscopic approach is that it significantly decreases hospital stay compared with that after an open procedure. Although in our study analgesic use was less after laparoscopy, our results should be confirmed by a prospective, randomized study.     

Nonrandomized comparison of open flank versus laparoscopic nephrectomy in 249 patients with benign renal disease

OBJECTIVES: We report the results from a nonrandomized comparison of open flank versus laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with benign renal disease. METHODS: From January 1993 to December 1997, 249 nephrectomies for benign renal disease were performed at our institution. There were 118 patients in the open flank nephrectomy group (median age 58.5, range 8-89 years) and 131 patients in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group (median age 40, range 16-73 years). Clinical parameters such as operative times, blood loss, transfusion rates, conversion and complication rates, start of oral intake, analgesic consumption, duration of hospitalization and convalescence and short-term mortality were compared among both groups. RESULTS: Median operative time in the open flank nephrectomy group was 90 (range 30-240) min and also 90 (range 41-210) min in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group. In the laparoscopy group 8 patients were converted to open surgery (6.1%). There were 27 complications (20.6%) in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group compared to 30 complications (25.4%) in the open flank nephrectomy group. Postoperatively, patients in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group required less morphine sulfate equivalent (12 vs. 20 mg) for pain control and they had a shorter hospital stay (4 vs. 10 days) and convalescence (24 vs. 36 days). The postoperative parameters are given as medians and reached statistically significant differences in favor of laparoscopic nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy results in a significantly briefer postoperative course when compared to open flank nephrectomy. As a matter of fact laparoscopy in urology is still a center-related procedure and even in these centers only a minority of urologists practice laparoscopy. However, in experienced centers the laparoscopic technique should be offered to patients with benign renal disease who are scheduled for elective nephrectomy.     

A clinical series of laparoscopic nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy and heminephroureterectomy in the pediatric population

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic techniques have enabled less invasive surgery in pediatric urology. We report our experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy and heminephroureterectomy in 26 children, and evaluate our series to establish the safety and efficacy of such procedures for benign disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic procedures were done in 15 girls and 11 boys 4 months to 11 years old (mean age 37) during a 23-month period. Laparascopic surgery consisted of nephrectomy in 14 (1 horseshoe kidney), nephroureterectomy in 6 and laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy in 6 cases. RESULTS: Mean overall operative time for the laparoscopic procedures was 165 minutes (range 43 to 355). Blood loss was less than 5 cc in all cases and there were no intraoperative complications in our series. Overall postoperative analgesic administration during hospitalization was 0.20 mg./kg. morphine sulfate and 19 mg./kg. acetaminophen as well as 0.9 mg./kg. codeine in 6 patients who did not receive morphine. Three children were discharged home on the day of surgery, while 17, 3, 1 and 2 were discharged home on postoperative days 1, 2, 4 and 5, respectively. Cosmetic results were excellent in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy and heminephroureterectomy may be performed for benign disease in children using laparoscopy with minimal morbidity, minimal postoperative discomfort, improved cosmesis and a short hospital stay. It may even be done as an outpatient procedure.     

Financial analysis of open versus laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy are rapidly becoming established procedures in select patients with renal cell carcinoma and upper tract transitional cell carcinoma, respectively. We present a retrospective comparative analysis of laparoscopic versus open radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy from a financial standpoint. The effect of the learning curve on costs incurred was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Detailed itemized cost data on 18 contemporary cases of open radical nephrectomy performed from September 1997 to July 1998 were compared with similar data on 20 initial laparoscopic cases performed from September 1997 to July 1998 and 15 more recent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy cases performed from August 1998 to July 1999. Financial data were also compared on 14 contemporary patients each who underwent open radical nephroureterectomy from June 1997 to December 1999, initial laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy from June 1997 to December 1998 and more recent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy from January 1999 to October 2000. Yearly financial costs were adjusted for inflation by a 4% annual rate to reflect year 2000 data. RESULTS: For radical nephrectomy mean operative time in the 18 open, 20 initial laparoscopic and 15 recent laparoscopic cases was 185.3, 205.7 and 147.3 minutes, respectively. Mean specimen weight was 555, 616 and 558 gm., and mean hospital stay was 132, 31 and 23 hours, respectively. Compared with open radical nephrectomy mean total costs associated with initial laparoscopy were 33% greater (p = 0.0003). Mean intraoperative costs were 102% greater and mean postoperative costs were 50% less. In contrast, the more recent laparoscopic cases were an overall mean of 12% less expensive than open surgery (p = 0.05). Mean intraoperative costs were only 33% greater and mean postoperative costs were 68% less. For radical nephroureterectomy mean operative time in the 14 open, 14 initial laparoscopic and 14 recent laparoscopic cases was 246, 196 and 195 minutes, respectively. Mean specimen weight was 442, 517 and 531 gm., and mean hospital stay was 142, 63 and 32 hours, respectively. Compared with open radical nephroureterectomy mean total costs associated with initial laparoscopic cases were 28% greater (p = 0.03). Mean intraoperative costs were 65% greater and mean postoperative costs were 27% less. In contrast, the more recent laparoscopic cases were an overall mean of 6% less expensive than open surgery (p = 0.63). Mean intraoperative costs were only 31% greater and mean postoperative costs were 62% less. CONCLUSIONS: Initially in the learning curve laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy were 33% and 28% financially more expensive, respectively, than their open counterparts. However, with increased operator experience and efficiency resulting in more rapid operative time and decreased hospitalization laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy are currently 12% and 6% less expensive, respectively, than their open counterparts at our institution.     

Retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery in children: our experience

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic renal surgery has become an accepted approach for benign disease in adult and pediatric urology. We present our experience in renal laparoscopy in infants during the past 5 years and evaluate our series to establish the safety and efficacy of such procedures in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1999 to December 2004, we performed 32 renal laparoscopic procedures on 31 children aged 12 months to 16 years (mean, 42 months). Twenty-seven patients underwent unilateral retroperitoneal nephrectomy; 1 child with Denis Drash syndrome underwent transperitoneal bilateral nephrectomy; 2 children underwent renal cyst unroofing; and 1 child with lymphoma underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic renal biopsy. Indications for surgery were: renal function <9% in cases of unilateral nephrectomy; the prevention of renal neoplastic changes in the patient with Denys-Drash syndrome; symptomatic large renal cysts; and suspected lymphoma not diagnosed with a previous percutaneous biopsy. RESULTS: All procedures were completed laparoscopically. In 6 cases, the accidental opening of the peritoneum did not require conversion to open surgery. Intraoperative blood loss was minimal. One patient who underwent a retroperitoneal nephrectomy required a blood transfusion for postoperative bleeding into the retroperitoneal space. Twenty-four of 27 unilateral retroperitoneal nephrectomy patients were discharged on postoperative day 2. Mean follow-up was 30 months (range, 6-64 months). Cosmetic results were excellent in all patients and no long-term complications have been encountered so far. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic urologic surgery may be performed in children with minimal morbidity, minimal postoperative discomfort, improved cosmetic results, and a short hospital stay.     

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy. METHODS: From June 1994 to November 1999, 10 patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy at Osaka University Medical Hospital and Osaka Rosai Hospital. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed either via transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach under general anesthesia. These 10 cases were reviewed in respect of primary disease of the kidney, operative time, complications and postoperative convalescence. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, five were preoperatively diagnosed as having a non-functioning kidney with hydronephrosis, two patients were diagnosed as having an atrophic kidney, two had renal cell carcinoma and one had renal pelvic tumor. The average operative time was 374 min (range 270-675 min). The mean blood loss was 330 mL (range 60-800 mL). One patient required transfusion due to postoperative oozing. The average hospital stay after operation was 7 days. No major postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an option in surgically managing renal disorders, including malignancies, although it has a longer operative time compared to conventional open surgery.     

后腹腔镜保留肾单位术治疗肾肿瘤

目的:探讨后腹腔镜保留肾单位术治疗肾肿瘤的手术技巧。方法:采用后腹腔镜技术对9例肾错构瘤和2例局限性肾癌患者分别行肿瘤剜除术和肾楔形切除术。肿瘤直径1.5~3.0cm,平均2.5cm。观察手术时间、术中出血量、术后住院天数和围手术期并发症及手术效果。结果:11例手术均获得成功。平均手术时间110min,平均出血量70ml,平均术后住院时间5天。围手术期无并发症。病理检查2例恶性肿瘤切缘阴性,平均随访10个月无局部复发。结论:后腹腔镜保留肾单位术治疗肾肿瘤安全可行,创伤小,恢复快,能有效切除肿瘤和保留肾功能。     

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy in a pediatric series

PURPOSE: Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery as well as increasing experience with these techniques have led to the selection of laparoscopic surgery for many urological procedures. A lesser number of pediatric laparoscopic surgical studies have been reported. Few pediatric comparative laparoscopic versus open surgical procedure studies have been published. We compared 2 groups of similar pediatric patients who underwent partial nephrectomy via the laparoscopic or open technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 consecutive partial nephrectomies were performed in pediatric patients 3 months to 15 years old. Of these procedures 11 chosen according to surgeon preference were performed laparoscopically and 11 were done by the open technique. Clinical data were obtained by chart review and compared retrospectively in the 2 groups. Demographic data, operative time and blood loss, the perioperative complication rate, hospital stay and costs, postoperative analgesic use and followup findings were compared. RESULTS: Mean operative time in the laparoscopic and open groups was 200.4 and 113.5 minutes, respectively (p <0.0005). Blood loss was less than 50 cc in all patients. In the laparoscopic and open groups mean hospital stay was 25.5 and 32.6 hours (p = 0.068), and mean cost was $6,125 and $4,244 (p = 0.016), respectively. Patients in the laparoscopic group required fewer doses of analgesics than those who underwent open surgery (mean 10.9 versus 21, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that increased operative time and costs are disadvantages of pediatric laparoscopic nephrectomy compared with open techniques. Conversely decreased hospital stay, lower analgesic requirements and cosmesis support the use of laparoscopy for pediatric partial nephrectomy. These differences must be considered when deciding which technique is best for overall patient care.     

LigaSure in laparoscopic transperitoneal heminephroureterectomy in children: a comparative study

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using the LigaSure vessel sealing system (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) in laparoscopic transperitoneal vs. open retroperitoneal heminephroureterectomy in children. Materials and Methods: Seven consecutive patients with impaired renal duplex systems underwent laparoscopic heminephroureterectomies using LigaSure between April 2003 and April 2005. The operative time, complications, and hospital stay were analyzed prospectively. The data of 7 consecutive patients who had undergone open retroperitoneal heminephroureterectomy from 2001 to 2003 were analyzed for comparison purposes. The mean ages, underlying disease, and location of the affected kidney pole were not significantly different between these groups. Results: There were no intraoperative complications during laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy and all procedures were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time of 144 minutes (range, 90-210 minutes) for laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy was somewhat longer than in open heminephroureterectomy-mean time 110 minutes (range, 60-165 minutes) (P = 0.5). Complications of open retroperitoneal heminephroureterectomy included bleeding of the surface of the remaining kidney pole in one patient, requiring extensive hemostatic suturing. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all laparoscopic procedures, whereas intermittent retention of urine was noticed in one patient undergoing the open procedure. Conclusion: Laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy using LigaSure is feasible in children and has a similar operative time compared to conventional heminephroureterectomy.     

腹腔镜肾部分切除术(附15例报告)

目的 评价腹腔镜肾部分切除术治疗肾脏肿痛的临床效果。方法 2004年1月至2005年4月采用腹腔镜经腹腔或后腹腔途径对15例肾肿瘤患者行肾部分切除术。男11例，女4例。平均年龄52岁（29～70岁）。局限性肾透明细胞癌12例，平均肿瘤直径3．0cm（2．0～4，0cm）；肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤3例，平均肿瘤直径4．5cm（3．5～6．0cm）。观察手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数、并发症及手术效果。结果 15例手术顺利。平均手术时间120min（80～150min），术中平均出血量150ml（100～220ml），无输血、中转开放手术病例。术后无并发症，平均住院时间8d（7～9d）。随访2～16个月肿瘤无复发。结论 腹腔镜肾部分切除术安全有效，但需长期随访以确定其远期疗效。     

TRANSPERITONEAL AND RETROPERITONEAL LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY FOR GIANT HYDRONEPHROSIS

PURPOSE: We evaluate laparoscopic nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis with an emphasis on the operative technique of retroperitoneoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the last 2 years 13 men and 5 women underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis via a transperitoneal (6) or retroperitoneal (12) approach. The etiology was congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 17 patients and hydronephrosis caused by stone disease in 1. Three patients had a contralateral obstructed kidney. Renal parameters were normal in all patients. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed without the need for conversion to open surgery. Mean operating time was 113.8 minutes (range 70 to 165) and average blood loss was 260 ml. (range 40 to 600). No patient required a blood transfusion. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with an average postoperative hospital stay of only 3.2 days (range 2 to 5). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a good alternative to open surgery for giant hydronephrosis and significantly reduced the morbidity of surgery. A retroperitoneal approach is feasible, despite the large amount of retroperitoneal space occupied by these hugely dilated kidneys. Modifications of our technique have been invaluable to the successful outcome in this series.     

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty compared with open pyeloplasty in children

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Open dismembered pyeloplasty by a retroperitoneal approach remains the reference standard for correcting ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction in children. We prospectively compared the results of laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty in children with UPJ obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period April 2003 to March 2005, 15 children underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty and 14 children underwent open pyeloplasty. The two groups were similar in age and mean weight. We prospectively analyzed and compared operative time, postoperative pain and activity, complications, and hospital stay in the two groups. The mean follow-up was 23 and 24 months in the laparoscopy and open surgery group, respectively. RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the open surgery group (159 +/- 21.39 [SD] v 214 +/- 32.26 minutes; P = 5.874 x 10(-6)). Postoperative discomfort/pain on day 7 was significantly less in the laparoscopic group, and the mean hospital stay was significantly shorter (P = 0.018019). CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of laparoscopic pyeloplasty include a high reproducible success rate comparable to the results achieved by open pyeloplasty. Our results indicate minimal morbidity such as pain and a quick return to normal activities. The hospital stay is significantly reduced, although the operative times are long compared with open pyeloplasty.     

Comparison of 1,800 laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomies for single renal tumors

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an increasingly performed, minimally invasive alternative to open partial nephrectomy. We compared early postoperative outcomes in 1,800 patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy by experienced surgeons with the initial experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with a single renal tumor 7 cm or less. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on 1,800 consecutive open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomies were collected prospectively or retrospectively in tumor registries at 3 large referral centers. Demographic, intraoperative, postoperative and followup data were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Compared to the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy group of 771 patients the 1,028 undergoing open partial nephrectomy were a higher risk group with a greater percent presenting symptomatically with decreased performance status, impaired renal function and tumor in a solitary functioning kidney (p<0.0001). More tumors in the open partial nephrectomy group were more than 4 cm and centrally located and more proved to be malignant (p<0.0001 and 0.0003, respectively). Based on multivariate analysis laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was associated with shorter operative time (p<0.0001), decreased operative blood loss (p<0.0001) and shorter hospital stay (p<0.0001). The chance of intraoperative complications was comparable in the 2 groups. However, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was associated with longer ischemia time (p<0.0001), more postoperative complications, particularly urological (p<0.0001), and an increased number of subsequent procedures (p<0.0001). Renal functional outcomes were similar 3 months after laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy with 97.9% and 99.6% of renal units retaining function, respectively. Three-year cancer specific survival for patients with a single cT1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma was 99.3% and 99.2% after laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is promising. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy offered the advantages of less operative time, decreased operative blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. When applied to patients with a single renal tumor 7 cm or less, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was associated with additional postoperative morbidity compared to open partial nephrectomy. However, equivalent functional and early oncological outcomes were achieved.     

Fluoroscopy-assisted retroperitoneal laparoscopic renal surgery in children

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of C-arm fluoroscopy for locating small dysplastic renal lesions during retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2003 to March 2005, two boys and four girls with a mean age of 5 years underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. The indications for laparoscopic renal surgery were ectopic ureter with dysplastic kidney (N = 3), hypertensive nephropathy (N = 1), and dysplastic kidney secondary to reflux nephropathy (N = 2). RESULTS: All operations were completed with no necessity for conversion to open surgery. Small dysplastic kidneys were easily located using C-arm fluoroscopy, and retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy was then performed. One patient required open contralateral reimplantation after laparoscopic nephrectomy because of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux. The mean operative time was 139 minutes (range 71-210 minutes). Blood loss was minimal, and no transfusion was required. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications other than a peritoneal injury in one patient, which caused no subsequent major problem. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 days, and all children returned to normal activity within 3 to 6 days. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to our knowledge of retroperitoneal laparoscopic renal surgery under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. This approach allowed quick and easy location of small ectopic kidneys prior to retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy and was found to be very useful for the treatment of small dysplastic renal lesions in children.     

Complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy: the Mayo clinic experience

PURPOSE: We present the incidence of complications and conversions during laparoscopic nephrectomy performed for various indications and discuss methods to help prevent future complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1999 to February 2003 at our institution 285 laparoscopic nephrectomy cases were performed, consisting of 113 radical nephrectomies, 101 donor nephrectomies, 27 simple nephrectomies, 23 partial nephrectomies and 21 nephroureterectomies. We reviewed the data base of patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy to examine complications and analyze factors related to conversion to an open surgical procedure. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 16 patients (5.6%). Major complications were surgical in 12 patients and medical in 4. Of the major surgical complications 3, 6, 1, 1 and 1 occurred during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, simple nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy, respectively. The predominant major surgical complication was bleeding requiring conversion to an open surgical procedure. The overall conversion rate was 4% (12 patients), consisting of 6 emergency and 6 elective conversions. The remaining 27 patients experienced minor surgical or postoperative medical problems, such as urinary retention or wound infection. The mortality rate in our series was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic renal surgery is becoming a routine procedure in the armamentarium of many urologists. Complications that are unique to laparoscopy exist but they should decrease with time with repetition and experience. We have learned many different precautions and procedures that should help decrease the risk of future complications associated with laparoscopic renal surgery.     

Laparoscopic vs. open nephrectomy. 10 years' results of a nonrandomized comparative study of 549 patients with benign kidney diseases

We report the results from a nonrandomized comparison of open flank vs laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with benign renal disease. Between 1993 and 2002, 549 nephrectomies for benign renal disease were performed at the Department of Urology of the Medical University of Lübeck and the Urological Department of the Martin Luther University in Halle/Wittenberg. There were 236 patients in the open flank nephrectomy group and 313 patients in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group. Clinical parameters were compared among both groups. Median operative time in the open flank nephrectomy group was 90 min (range: 30-240 min) and also 90 min in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group (range: 41-210 min). There were 54 complications (17.2%) in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group compared to 60 complications (25.4%) in the open flank nephrectomy group. Patients in the laparoscopy group demonstrated clear advantages in terms of analgesic use for pain control, hospital stay, and convalescence. Laparoscopic nephrectomy results in a significantly briefer postoperative course when compared to open flank nephrectomy. However, due to a limited number of patients, a laparoscopic nephrectomy is mainly reserved for laparoscopic centers. Nevertheless, the laparoscopic approach should be offered to the majority of patients with benign renal disease requiring nephrectomy.     

COMPARISON OF LAPAROSCOPIC AND OPEN NEPHROURETERECTOMY FOR BENIGN DISEASE

Purpose

We report our experience with laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for benign disease and compare the results to a contemporary group of patients undergoing open nephroureterectomy.

Materials and Methods

Between October 1994 and March 1997, 12 women and 4 men with a mean age of 50 years (range 22 to 70) underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy at our hospital. Indications for operation were nonfunctioning kidneys due to vesicoureteral reflux with recurrent episodes of pyelonephritis or analgesic nephropathy before a planned renal transplantation. In comparison 11 women and 4 men with a mean age of 40 years (range 18 to 64) underwent open nephroureterectomy for various benign diseases.

Results

Laparoscopic and open nephroureterectomy had no significant differences regarding operative times (100 versus 124 minutes) and complication rates (25 versus 20%). In the laparoscopy group conversion to open surgery was not necessary. Patients who underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy has significantly less consumption of morphine equivalent for postoperative pain control (12 versus 40 mg.), shorter time to achieve mobilization and oral intake (11 versus 39 hours), shorter hospital stay (6 versus 12.7 days) and faster return to normal activities (21 versus 39 days).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in patients with benign disease has similar operative results but obvious postoperative advantages compared to the open approach.     

后腹腔镜及经腹膜外径路腹腔镜技术在泌尿外科器官保留、功能重建手术中的应用

目的：探讨后腹腔镜及经腹膜外径路腹腔镜技术在泌尿外科器官保留、功能重建手术中的应用方法,并评价其治疗效果。方法：2000年7月～2005年8月完成后腹腔镜及经腹膜外径路泌尿外科器官保留、功能重建手术71例,包括重复肾切除术4例,肾部分切除术8例,肾盂成形术13例,肾盂输尿管切开取石术30例,腔静脉后输尿管成形术2例,先天性巨输尿管成形术1例,膀胱部分切除术4例,前列腺癌根治术9例。结果：71例均一次成功,手术时间30～270min,平均85min,术中出血少。术后腹膜后及腹膜外引流量少,3～5天拔出引流管,多无明显并发症。术后5天～2周出院（平均8．6K）。结论：经腹膜外径路腹腔镜手术具有创伤小、安全、术后恢复快、住院时间短、并发症少等优点,在泌尿外科器官保留及功能重建手术中具有明显优势。