Single Stapler Technique for Vascular Control in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

Abstract

BackgroundRecent advancements in surgical instruments, energy sources, vascular staplers, and increased experience altogether led to several modifications in the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) technique. In the conventional approach, the renal artery and vein are divided separately by vascular stapling. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using single vascular stapling technique for dividing the renal artery and vein simultaneously. Materials and MethodsPatients who underwent LDN performed by the same surgeon between January 2018 and January 2020 were included. Demographic data, body mass index, number of arteries and veins, vascular division technique, estimated blood loss, surgical time, warm ischemia time, surgical complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the dataset. ResultsA total of 196 donors were included in the cohort. The mean age was 44.5 years (19-80 years, standard deviation: 13.2). A total of 132 donors (82.65%) underwent left-sided LDN, and 34 (17.35%) underwent right-sided LDN. The mean surgical time and warm ischemia time were 68.4 ± 24.7 (32-116) and 2.8 ± 1.2 (1.6-4.0) minutes, respectively. Two cases were converted to open donor nephrectomy (1.02%). The single stapling technique was successfully performed in 168 (85.7%) donors with a single renal artery and vein. ConclusionSingle stapling for the concurrent division of the renal artery and vein in the setting of LDN seems to be a safe and feasible approach. It also has the potential to shorten warm ischemia time and reduce the cost of LDN.