Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy in benign pathology

• Published in: International Brazilian Journal of Urology
• Main Authors: Rodrigo S. Quintela, Leonardo R. Cotta, Marcelo F. Neves, David L. Abelha Jr, Jose E. Tavora
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia 2006-10-01
• Subjects: kidney; nephrectomy; laparoscopy; retroperitoneal space
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1677-55382006000500004
• ISSN: 1677-5538; 1677-6119

INTRODUCTION: We report our experience with 43 retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients had a poor function from obstructive uropathology and renal atrophy. None of these patients had a previous lumbotomy. Retroperitoneoscopy was performed with 4 trocar port technique in a lateral position. The retroperitoneal space is created by using a Gaur's balloon made of sterile glove. The approach to vascular pedicle was done posteriorly and vessels were clipped by metal and Hem-o-lock (Weck Closure Systems, North Carolina, USA) clips. The sample was intact extracted in an Endo-Bag prolonging one trocar incision. RESULTS: Median operative time was 160 minutes and median blood loss was 200 mL. Four cases (9%) were converted to open surgery: one case due to bleeding and 3 cases due to technical difficulties regarding perirenal adherences. Most patients (39) checked out from the Hospital in day two. Four of them were left over 3 days due to wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneoscopy offers a safe, effective and reproductive access to nephrectomy for benign pathologies.