title: Retroperitoneoscopic pre-transplant native kidney nephrectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopic nephrectomy has become a standardized procedure for removal of benign non-functioning kidneys. We present our experience of retroperitoneoscopic pre-transplant native kidneys nephrectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Comparison of 40 patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopy with 40 open simple pre-transplant nephrectomy patients was done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomies were done between June 2003 and April 2005. The mean operative time was similar in the two groups; however, the mean blood loss, postoperative analgesic requirement, complication rate, hospital stay and convalescence period were significantly less in the retroperitoneoscopic group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy should be offered as the primary treatment modality to patients requiring pre-transplant native kidney nephrectomy, except in patients where it is contraindicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. rajivkanu@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Goel
authors.forename: Pranjal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Modi
authors.forename: Sharad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dodia
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014019:Tissue Donors