Organ intact retrieval via umbilical incision after simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal masses

PURPOSE: We report on two cases of laparoscopic bilateral nephrectomy for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with end-stage renal disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Bilateral renal masses were detected in two patients with acquired renal cystic disease. They underwent bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy. The specimens were removed intact via an umbilical incision. RESULTS: The operative times were 8 hours and 6 hours and the estimated blood loss was 154 mL and 120 mL. Both patients resumed oral intake on postoperative day 1 and were discharged on postoperative day 6. No intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. The pathology report revealed bilateral RCC. The original length of the umbilical incision was 4 cm which shrank to 3 cm by 2 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral laparoscopic radical nephrectomy including intact organ retrieval for bilateral renal masses via a small umbilical incision is feasible.