Hand-assisted retroperitoneal laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy with a modified technique

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety,feasibility and results of the hand-assisted retroperitoneal laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy ( HRPLDN ) with a modified technique. Methods Living donors (n =32) were divided into HRPLDN group (n =16) and open group (n =16) according to surgical technique.Operative data and postoperative outcomes including operative time,estimated blood loss,warm ischemia time,length of hospital stay and complication rate,were collected. Results All procedures were completed successfully.In HRPLDN group,the mean operative time was 101.3 ± 21.2 min (range from 70 to 150 min),with an estimated blood loss of 53.8 ±25.5 ml (range from 20 to 100 ml) and warm ischemia time of 2.4 ± 0.6 min ( range from 1.5 to 3.5 min).No living donor needed conversion to open surgery and the urine volume of transplanted kidney after first 24 hours was 5036 ml (range from 3500 -6500 ml).The mean postoperative on bed time were (2.8 ± 0.7 ) d (ranging from 2 -4 d).All parameters of HRPLDN were significantly better than that of open groups. Conclusion Living donor nephrectomy with HRPLDN is a safe and reliable surgical technique. Key words: Laparoscopy ; Hand-assisted; Kidney transplantation ; Nephrectomy