Minimally invasive video-assisted kidney transplantation (MIVAKT).
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive surgery has been applied to nearly all fields of surgery due to its advantages such as reduced morbidity, a better cosmetic outcome, and early recovery. The recent advances in its technique have allowed us to use modified minimally invasive surgery technique in the field of kidney transplantation.


METHODS
From January 2004 to March 2006, minimally invasive video-assisted kidney transplantation was carried out in 20 patients. Many clinical variables were compared with the conventional method. The operative procedure began with a 7 to 8 cm skin incision. A laparoscopic balloon dissector was used to create the retroperitoneal space for the placement of the grafted kidney. Vascular anastomosis and ureteroneocystostomy were performed under direct vision and with video-assisted TV monitoring.


RESULTS
The average length of the wound was 7.8 cm and it was placed below the belt line. The average operating time was 186 min. Less analgesic was given compared with conventional methods. There was one postoperative complication, a mild lymphocele. All patients showed normalized serum creatinine levels within 4 d. All grafted kidneys showed normal findings on the postoperative ultrasound and renal scans.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive video-assisted kidney transplantation is technically feasible and may offer benefits in terms of better cosmetic outcomes, less pain, and quicker recuperation than conventional kidney transplantation.
Mun
Seong-Pyo
SP
Department of Surgery, Chosun University, School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
Chang
Jeong-Hwan
JH
Kim
Kyoung-Jong
KJ
Jeong
Gui-Ae
GA
Cheon
Min-Woo
MW
Ahn
Young-Joon
YJ
Kim
Seong-Hwan
SH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000379:methods*