Laparoscopic removal of a gigantic non-functioning kidney via retroperitoneal access.
Hugely dilated kidneys can sometimes present as abdominal masses. These kidneys are invariably non-functioning and are managed by nephrectomy. We describe a case of massive kidney containing 12.5 litres on fluid which was managed by retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. The patient was a 24-year-old male who presented with a huge abdominal mass, anorexia and weight loss. Laparoscopic surgery for such a large kidney has not been previously reported. We discuss salient features of the procedure and elaborate on the modifications required in the case of significantly enlarged kidneys.
Hemal
A K
AK
Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. akhemal@hotmail.com
Kumar
M
M
Pawar
R S
RS
Talwar
M
M
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space