title: Laparoscopic nephrectomy results in better postoperative pulmonary function.
abstract: The pulmonary response to nephrectomy was studied in 16 patients undergoing laparoscopic (n = 8) or open (n = 8) nephrectomy using a standardized anesthetic technique. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups at 24 hours, postoperative pulmonary function measures (P = 0.02-0.03) and oxygenation (P = 0.03) were significantly better in the laparoscopic surgery group at 48 hours. The median opiate analgesic requirement (P = 0.02) and the number of nights spent in the hospital (P = 0.003) also were significantly lower in this group. The results of this study suggest that laparoscopic nephrectomy offers a real biological advantage in terms of postoperative preservation of lung function and that this might therefore be the safest technique for nephrectomy in patients with limited respiratory reserves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Eden
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Haigh
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Coptcoat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000592:standards*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid