[Outcome of open and laparoscopic nephrectomies in a county hospital--centralization].
BACKGROUND
The results of conventional open and laparoscopic nephrectomy in a six-year period from a county hospital are presented.


METHODS
In the period June 1st 1995 to June 2nd 2005, a total of 123 nephrectomies were performed. One hundred and five patients had cancer of whom 85 were operated (46 by laparoscopy and 39 by open surgery). Thirty-eight patients were operated due to a benign disease e.g. non-functional kidney, stone disease etc.


RESULTS
There were 105 patients (54 men, 51 women) with cancer and 85 were operated. The hospital stay was seven days (2-29) for open surgery. The need for transfusion was 0 units (0-8 units). In 55% of the cases the operation was performed by a senior registrar. Crude survival was 60%. Overall mortality was 1.6% (2 patients).


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that nephrectomy, both conventional open and laparoscopical, can safely be performed at a county hospital in terms of surgery, hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. If it is technically feasible one should offer the patient laparoscopic treatment. The operation has a high educational value for surgeons in urological training.
Lund
Lars
L
Sygehus Viborg, Urologisk Afdeling. lars.lund@sygehusviborg.dk
Jønler
Morten
M
Bisballe
Søren
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D002497:Centralized Hospital Services; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006766:Hospitals, County / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome