A Retrospective Multi-Centre Study on the Outcome of Laparoscopic Simple Nephrectomies

Abstract

Objective:

A review of our experience in laparoscopic simple nephrectomies from May 2003 to May 2011 in the Urology Departments in Oxford and Reading.

Method:

A total of 100 patients, median age 46years (IQR = 27, range 17–82) underwent a laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for benign disease in the 8-year period reviewed. Data on patient demographics, pre-operative diagnosis, operating time, operative approach, estimated blood loss, in hospital post-operative complications and length of stay were collected from electronic databases held in the departments and regularly updated.

Results:

100 laparoscopic simple nephrectomies were performed between May 2003 and May 2011. Median operating time was 180min (IQR = 60min, range 75–375min). Median estimated blood loss was 50ml (IQR = 50ml, range 10–1000ml). Median length of stay was 3 days (IQR = 3, range 2–14 days). No patients suffered from significant changes in renal function. Three patients were transfused between 2 and 3 units. 26 complications were recorded for 22 patients. Four were Clavien grade IIIb and 22 were grades I—II.

Conclusion:

Although laparoscopic simple nephrectomy is feasible and confers the usual benefits of laparoscopy it is often a technically challenging procedure. We used the Clavien Classification to standardise complications of laparoscopic simple nephrectomies. The term “simple” nephrectomy is misleading and should be changed.