Retroperitoneal endoscopic nephrectomy

Nephrectomy is probably the most widely accepted procedure for the application of laparoscopic techniques in urology. The great advantages of laparoscopy over conventional approaches have justified its indication for different renal extirpative procedures: atrophy, renal carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, polycystic kidney disease, living kidney donation for transplantation and partial nephrectomies. The objective of this article is to describe the techniques and advantages of laparoscopic nephrectomy through a retroperitoneoscopic approach, demonstrating that it is an effective option for the majority of cases in which extraction of the kidney is required. Between January 1991 and January 2001 107 patients with different renal conditions were treated at the Instituto Docente de Urología (IDU) using transperitoneal (36 patients) or retroperitoneal (71 patients) laparoscopic access. Indications for laparoscopic approach included atrophy, living donation, renal carcinoma, urothelial tumour, polycystic kidney disease and partial nephrectomy. Nephrectomy trough a transperitoneal approach was completed in 33 (91.6%) of 36 patients, being necessary to convert to conventional surgery in the remaining 3 cases (8.3%). Retroperitoneoscopic approach was successful in all cases (100%). The retroperitoneoscopic approach is a simple procedure that allows its implementation in the majority of patients in which there is an indication for nephrectomy. Retroperitoneoscopy provides a rapid recovery, minimal analgesic needs, and a short hospital stay. Finally, retroperitoneoscopic approach represents a logical evolution for conventional flank incisions, providing familiarity with surgical field landmarks and management to those urologists that incorporate this new technical modality.