A CONSECUTIVE SERIES OF 70 LAPAROSCOPIC LIVE DONOR NEPHRECTOMIES DEMONSTRATING THE SAFETY OF THIS NEW OPERATION

Abstract

P147 Aims: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LDN) has the potential to overcome some of the disincentives to live kidney donation but has yet to be widely adopted in the UK. This study presents the results of a consecutive series of 70 LDN from a single centre with an emphasis postoperative complication rates and donor recovery times. Methods: 70 live donors (39 women and 31 men; mean age 46 yrs) underwent transperitoneal LDN. Two consultant surgeons working together performed all operations. There was no selection on the basis of donor body mass index (range 18-45 kg/m2) or because of difficult vascular anatomy. All patients received postoperative analgesia using a patient controlled analgesia system. Donors were allowed to resume normal activities and return to work at their own discretion. Results: There was no donor mortality and no episodes of thromboembolic disease. One operation was converted to an open procedure because of bleeding from the renal artery. The following postoperative complications were recorded: chest infection 4(6%); paraesthesiae of L1 dermatome 3 (4%) wound infection 2 (3%); unilateral pulmonary oedema 2 (3%); ileus 2 (3%); testicular pain 2 (3%); persistent wound pain 1 (1.4%). Two (3%) patients were re-laparoscoped for division of adhesions. Donor recovery rates (mean ±) are shown in the table. Recipient transplantation was complicated by ureteric stenosis in 2 cases (3%) but there were no vascular thromboses.FigureConclusions: LDN is a safe procedure with low postoperative morbidity and no compromise to the procured graft. Nonetheless, some unexpected complications such as L1 paraesthesia, testicular pain and pulmonary oedema were recorded. LDN is associated with short recovery times.