Retroperitoneal LESS donor nephrectomy.
Donor nephrectomy with laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery has been reported via the transperitoneal approach. We describe a novel technique of retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy using a single surgical incision in the groin, below the abdominal skin crease or "bikini line". The LESS groin incision offers superior cosmesis, while the retroperitoneal approach has distinct advantages, such as the ability to identify the renal vessels early. The new procedure has been performed in two obese patients (body mass index 32 and 33 kg/m2, respectively). The operative times were 4 and 5 hours, warm ischemic times 135 and 315 seconds, blood loss 100 and 250 mL, and hospitalization 3 and 2 days, respectively. Retroperitoneal LESS donor nephrectomy through a single, inconspicuous groin incision is feasible and safe. Further evaluation of the technique in a larger patient cohort is indicated.
Department of Urology, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. arvdm@sun.ac.za
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van der Merwe
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Bachmann
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Heyns
D004724:Endoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019520:Living Donors; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*