Early Experience of Laparoscopic Nephropexy

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility of laparoscopic nephropexy for treating patients with symptomatic nephroptosis according to our early experiences. Materials and Methods: Between June 2005 and June 2006, 3 patients with nephroptosis underwent laparoscopic nephropexy. They presented with long-standing flank pain. Nephroptosis was confirmed with performing supine and erect excretory urography (EU). The mean age of the 3 women was 40.7 years old, and their mean body mass index was 19.3kg/m. The mean length of the nephroptosis was 7.5cm on EU. The operation was performed with a 3 trocar system through the transperitoneal approach. The renal capsule and parenchyme were fixed to the fascia of the quadratus lumborum muscle using 2-0 black silk. Results: Laparoscopic nephropexy was performed successfully in all patients. The mean operative time was 58.3 minutes. There was no operative complication and transfusion. Initiation of the oral intake and ambulation took place on postoperative day 1. The mean hospital stay was 5.7 days. Flank pain disappeared in 2 patients, and it was decreased in one patient for the 17.7 months of the mean follow-up. The mean length of the nephroptosis was 3.0cm on postoperative EU. Conclusions: Laparoscopic nephropexy for treating symptomatic nephroptosis could be performed easily and safely with an excellent outcome. (Korean J Urol 2007;48:1139-1142) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏