Retroperitoneoscopic Nephrectomy in Overweight and Obese Japanese Patients: Complications and Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (RN) in obese Japanese patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 190 consecutive RN procedures performed from May 2002 to May 2006. We divided patients into an obese group (BMI ≥25, n = 54) and a normal group (BMI <24.9, n = 136). Operation time, estimated blood loss, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean operation time was longer in the obese group than in the normal group (203 vs. 184 min, respectively; p = 0.029). The mean estimated blood loss in the obese and normal groups was 127 and 91 ml, respectively. This difference was not significant (p = 0.39). There was no significant difference in complications and the open conversion rate between the two groups. Conclusions: Although the operation time in obese patients was slightly longer than in non-obese patients, RN in obese patients was safely performed.