Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Nephrectomy in Uremic Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to analyse the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) vs. open radical nephrectomy (ORN), in terms of perioperative and postoperative outcomes, in uremic patients. Methods Between September 2007 and December 2013, 19 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), who underwent LRN or ORN for chronic pyelonephritis, renal calculi, hydronephrosis, renal tumors, complicated cyst, or associated polycystic kidney, were retrospectively analysed. All patients with complete preoperative clinical and intraoperative parameters, including age at surgery, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, surgical technique, operation time, complications, were available for further analyses. The 30-day complication rate in both groups was retrospectively review and graded according to the modified Clavien System in five grades. Results Overall, nine (47.3%) vs. 10 (52.7%) patients underwent LRN vs. ORN, respectively. The mean ASA score (2.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.9 ± 0.7) did not show statistically significant differences in both groups (p = 0.632). None of the patients in G1 was converted to open surgery for intraoperative complications or CO2 retention. The estimated blood loss was 223 ± 155 mL in G1 and 455 ± 134 mL in G2 (p<0.005). Both groups were comparable with regard to mean operation time. The mean hospital stay was 5.95 ± 1.85 days in G1 and 8.10 ± 1.67 days in G2 (p<0.001). Conclusions The present study revealed that laparoscopic surgery in uremic patients might be performed safely under the expertise of an experienced laparoscopic team. This surgical technique is a minimally invasive treatment, reduces blood loss, shortens postoperative hospital stay, minimizes wound pain, and encourages an earlier return to normal activity.