Retroperitoneal laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: a cost-effective approach

Objectives: To establish a modified cost-effective and safe approach of retroperitoneal laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (RPLLDN).

Methods: Between December 2003 and December 2008, total of 109 living related renal donors underwent consecutive three-port RPLLDNs. The initial retroperitoneal space was created by insertion of a rubber catheter attached to a saline-filled midfinger of a glove. The renal hilum and ureter were circumferentially mobilized. The tributaries of renal vessels were divided by harmonic scalpel without any clips. In laparoscopy, the ureter was sheared with scissors. A longitudinal 6-8 cm skin incision was enlarged form the primary trocar distally to retrieve the graft. The main renal vessels were controlled, using 2 Hem-o-lok clips placed at each proximal ends. The graft was retrieved manually through the skin incision.

Results: All the 109 RPLLDNs were carried out successfully. The mean operation time and mean warm ischemic time was 129.7 +/- 42.6 and 3.6 +/- 1.2 minutes, respectively. The mean blood loss was 73.6 +/- 53.7 mL. No blood transfusion or open conversion was required. No major complication occurred in the donors, and only 5% of the donors suffered from minor complications. A total of 3% and 4% of the recipients developed major and minor complications, respectively, and 12.8% of the donors required analgesics. The mean level of postoperative serum creatinine of the donors was 1.31 +/- 0.22 mg/dL and the mean level of postoperative serum creatinine of the recipients at the first month was 1.59 +/- 0.91 mg/dL.

Conclusions: The modified approach of RPLLDN could be a cost-effective and safe alternative for developing countries.