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PubMed2003

Role of radioisotope renal scans in the choice of nephrectomy side in live kidney donors.

PURPOSE: We determined the role of radioisotope renal scans in the choice of nephrectomy side in potential live kidney donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 300 consecutive potential live kidney donors. In addition to routine laboratory and radiological evaluation, a radioisotope renal scan with selective determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of each kidney was performed for all donors. Results of the first 100 potential donors were used to standardize the technique and to show the normal difference in GFR of both kidneys due to technical and normal physiological variations. The subsequent 200 potential donors who underwent nephrectomy were considered the study group. In the study group kidneys with a GFR difference less than or equal to mean normal difference were considered equal in function. Disparity in function was considered if the GFR difference between both kidneys was greater than normal mean difference. RESULTS: Of the 100 control donors there was no difference between mean GFR +/- SD of the left and right kidney (57.7 +/- 9.09 vs 58.09 +/- 8.93 ml per minute, respectively). The disparity in clearance of both kidneys ranged from 0 to 14.25 ml per minute and averaged 6.12 +/- 0.42. This average difference represents 5.31% +/- 0.27% of average total renographic GFR. Based on control group results a disparity greater than 5.31% of total GFR was considered significant in the study group. Of the 200 study group donors GFR of both kidneys was comparable in 116 cases (58%), the left had better function in 49 (24.5%) and the right had better function in 35 (17.5%). Therefore, a total of 84 donors (42%) had disparity in function between both kidneys. In all these donors the kidney with less function was chosen for nephrectomy regardless of anatomical considerations such as multiplicity of renal arteries. In donors with comparable GFR in both kidneys the harvested kidney was essentially chosen on an anatomical basis. CONCLUSIONS: When renal function of 2 kidneys is similar or nearly similar, anatomical factors determine the side of the harvested kidney. When there is a significant difference in clearance value (greater than 6 ml per minute) the kidney with lower clearance is chosen irrespective of anatomical findings. Since this difference is expected in about 40% of healthy individuals, radioisotopic determination of split renal function should be an integral part of the preoperative evaluation of potential kidney donors.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Ligation of the renal vein during laparoscopic nephrectomy: an effective and reliable method to replace vascular staplers.

PURPOSE: Application of the endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler has become a standard procedure to control renal vein during laparoscopic nephrectomy. However, device malfunction resulting in significant complications has been reported. We present a safe and cost-effective technique for renal vein ligation during laparoscopic nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2002 to April 2003 we applied our new technique of renal vein ligation in 20 cases. After renal pedicle dissection the renal artery was secured with Hem-o-lok (Weck Closure Systems, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina) clips. The renal vein was encircled with a suture, which was knotted extracorporeally and pushed down by a knot pusher to shrivel a vein of any size. Subsequently 10 mm Hem-o-lok clips were applied to the vein to occlude it completely. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed. The operative costs of vein ligation were decreased. There was no significant increase in mean operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach is a safe, reliable, rapid and inexpensive method to ligate the renal vein during laparoscopic nephrectomy. Therefore, this technique has replaced endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler use at our center.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

The prediction of renal function 6 years after unilateral nephrectomy using preoperative risk factors.

PURPOSE: Since middle-aged and elderly patients seem to have risk factors affecting renal function, it is important to predict postoperative renal function prior to unilateral nephrectomy (UNx). We evaluated preoperative factors for predicting postoperative renal function in middle-aged and elderly patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with radical nephrectomy (RNx). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 201 patients who underwent RNx preoperative records and postoperative serum creatinine (SCR) 6 years after nephrectomy were available. Postoperative renal insufficiency was defined as serum creatinine 1.4 mg/dl or greater. The relationship of each preoperative and postoperative factor was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate preoperative factors for predicting postoperative SCR 1.4 mg/dl or greater after 6 years. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in postoperative SCR between female and male patients, and between those with and without hypertension, diabetes and proteinuria (p <0.05). Age, hemoglobin, preoperative SCR, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and K significantly correlated with postoperative SCR (p <0.05). The increase in SCR during 6 years after UNx was significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes and proteinuria than in their respective counterparts (p <0.05). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative serum creatinine, hypertension and proteinuria were significant independent factors predicting postoperative renal function 6 years after UNx in patients with RCC (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative SCR, hypertension and proteinuria are useful factors for predicting postoperative renal function after RNx in patients with RCC.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

PubMed2004

Use of gelatin matrix thrombin tissue sealant as an effective hemostatic agent during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We describe a technique for achieving effective hemostasis during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using gelatin matrix thrombin tissue sealant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2002 and April 2003, 6 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the 2-component tissue sealant. Median patient age was 59 years (range 28 to 71) and followup time ranged from 1 to 10 months (median 4.3). The tumor was at least 50% exophytic on preoperative computerized tomography and the diameter ranged from 2 to 3 cm (median 2.5). The 2-component tissue sealant, consisting of a gelatin matrix granula component and a thrombin component, was applied after resection of the tumor and before reperfusion of the kidney. Time until complete hemostasis was achieved, postoperative bleeding, estimated blood loss, warm ischemia time and length of surgery were recorded. RESULTS: Hemostasis was immediate in all cases after application of the tissue sealant for 1 to 2 minutes to the moist resection site. The laparoscopic applicator was used to apply the material to the renal parenchyma. Hemostasis was maintained when reperfusion of the kidney was established. Estimated blood loss ranged from 50 to 350 cc (median 200), and no patient required blood transfusion. Length of surgery ranged from 89 to 230 minutes (median 189), and warm ischemia time ranged from 10 to 14 minutes (median 13). No postoperative bleeding occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-component tissue sealant provided immediate and durable hemostasis in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. It is a safe and time sparing alternative adjunct to currently available means of achieving hemostasis. In a select patient population use of this agent may reduce warm ischemia time by circumventing the need to perform laparoscopic suturing.

Gelatin↗

PubMed2004

Impact of temporary hilar clamping during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy on postoperative renal function: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors has been increasingly performed in the last few years. We prospectively evaluated preoperative and postoperative differential renal function by renal scan in patients with contralaterally functioning kidneys who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with hilar clamping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2002 to June 2003, 17 consecutive patients were included in this prospective protocol and underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for exophytic tumors using en bloc hilar clamping. Preoperative renal scan with differential function was performed 1 month before and 3 months after surgery in all patients. technetium labeled diethylenetetraminepentaacetic acid scan was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Mean warm ischemia time was 22.50 +/- 9.78 minutes (range 10 to 44). Preoperative differential renal function and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the affected kidneys were 50.20% +/- 4.90% (range 43 to 58) and 75.56 +/- 16.45 ml per minutes (range 39.4 to 105). At postoperative month 3 differential renal function and GFR in the affected kidney were 48.07% +/- 7.16% (range 39% to 63%) and 72.03 +/- 18.17 ml per minutes (range 31 to 101). There was a nonsignificant negative association between hilar clamp time and change in renal function (postoperative - preoperative) of the affected kidney (r = -0.26, p = 0.31), and a positive correlation between clamp time and change in GFR (r = 0.39, p = 0.12) that did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with contralaterally functioning kidney, temporary hilar clamping with a mean warm ischemia time of 22.5 minutes results in preservation of renal function in the affected kidney. Larger studies with longer followup are necessary to study the impact of warm ischemia further.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy techniques: developments and translation.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has recently emerged as a potential surgical option for select renal masses. Several new techniques and devices that may aid in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy are reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: I review several techniques studied and/or developed in our laboratory. Each technique was evaluated for effectiveness in the porcine model and is in translation to clinical practice. RESULTS: Three techniques are reviewed. A hand assisted approach incorporating renal hilar clamping with hypothermia has proven successful for complex and multifocal lesions. Recent clinical studies, and our laboratory and clinical experience have shown a saline cooled monopolar dissector to be a valuable adjunct. A new and simple technique of achieving rapid hypothermia using a pure laparoscopic approach is described. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy continues to develop as a standard of care for select renal masses. New devices and techniques will continue to make the procedure safer and reproducible.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Prospective randomized comparison of transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We report on a prospective randomized comparison of transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1999 and June 2001, 102 consecutive eligible patients with a computerized tomography identified renal tumor were prospectively randomized to undergo either a transperitoneal (group 1, 50 patients) or retroperitoneal (group 2, 52 patients) laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intact specimen extraction. Exclusion criteria for the study included body mass index greater than 35 or a history of prior major abdominal surgery in the quadrant of interest. Both groups were matched regarding age (63 versus 65 years, p = 0.69), BMI (29 versus 28, p = 0.89), American Society of Anesthesiologists class (2.7 versus 2.8, p = 0.37), laterality (right side 46% versus 48%, p = 0.85) and mean tumor size (5.3 versus 5.0 cm, p = 0.73). RESULTS: All 102 procedures were technically successful without the need for open conversion. Compared to the transperitoneal approach, the retroperitoneal approach was associated with a shorter time to renal artery control (91 versus 34 minutes, p <0.0001), shorter time to renal vein control (98 versus 45 minutes, p <0.0001) and shorter total operative time (207 versus 150 minutes, p = 0.001). However, the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches were similar in terms of estimated blood loss (180 versus 242 cc, p = 0.13), hospital stay (43 versus 45 hours, p = 0.55), intraoperative complications (10% versus 7.7%, p = 0.30), postoperative complications (20% versus 13.5%, p = 0.14) and postoperative analgesia requirements (27 versus 26 mg MSO4 equivalent p = 0.13). Pathology revealed renal cell carcinoma in 84% and 75% of cases, respectively, with no positive surgical margin in any case. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy can be performed efficiently and effectively with the transperitoneal or the retroperitoneal approach. While renal hilar control and total operative time may be quicker with retroperitoneoscopy, the approaches are similar in terms of other patient outcomes evaluated.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Retroperitoneoscopic radical and partial nephrectomy in the patient with cirrhosis.

PURPOSE: In patients with cirrhosis and a renal mass options may be limited by medical disease and the surgical difficulties associated with portal hypertension. We describe a retrospective review of patients with cirrhosis with renal masses who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy through a retroperitoneoscopic approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients, including 4 men and 6 women, with cirrhosis, of whom 2 had undergone liver transplantation, underwent radical (7) or partial (3) nephrectomy for a total of 5 right and 5 left renal neoplasms via the retroperitoneoscopic approach at our institution from March 2002 to February 2004. Recovery data were prospectively obtained and other information was gathered retrospectively from the medical record. RESULTS: Average patient age was 58 years and average American Society of Anesthesiology score was 2.8. Average renal tumor size for radical and partial nephrectomy was 4.6 (range 2.9 to 7) and 1.8 cm (range 1.3 to 2.3), respectively. Operative time was 140 to 315 minutes (median 172) and estimated blood loss was 100 to 5,000 ml (median 225). One patient required open conversion due to hemorrhage from left portosystemic venous communications. Mean postoperative hospitalization was 1.5 days (range 1 to 6). CONCLUSIONS: Although retroperitoneoscopic surgery avoids many surgical dangers associated with portal hypertension and it is our preferred approach to renal surgery in patients with cirrhosis, significant portosystemic venous communications exist in the retroperitoneum, especially on the left side, and they still lead to substantial blood loss in some patients.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

PubMed2005

Application of novel hemostatic agent during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We determined if QuikClot, a novel hemostatic agent made of a granulated mineral substance, could be used to control renal parenchymal bleeding and collecting system leakage during open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining renal hilar vascular control 2 domestic female pigs underwent bilateral open and 4 underwent unilateral laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. After excision of the lower pole without cautery the hemostatic agent was applied to the cut surface of the kidney and hilar vascular control was released. Additional QuikClot was added until complete hemostasis was achieved. One week postoperatively the animals were sacrificed and the operated kidneys were harvested for ex vivo retrograde pyelograms and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: All partial nephrectomies were performed without complication. Mean operative and warm ischemia times were 62 and 16 minutes, respectively. An average of 23% of renal mass by weight was resected with a mean blood loss of 73 ml per procedure. No cautery, additional hemostatic agents or techniques were used. No animal had clinical or radiographic evidence of urinoma or delayed hemorrhage. Histopathological analysis showed preservation of the renal parenchyma immediately beneath the QuikClot layer. CONCLUSIONS: In the porcine model QuikClot allowed the resection of large renal segments, while providing reliable hemostasis and closure of the renal collecting system. No deleterious effect on underlying renal parenchyma or surrounding tissues was observed.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Pediatric retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: comparison with an age matched cohort of open surgery.

PURPOSE: We assessed the clinical usefulness of laparoscopic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy (LRPN) in children by comparing an age matched cohort of pediatric patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy (OPN) to those undergoing LRPN for safety, efficacy, operative time, blood loss, inpatient narcotic use and length of hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed of 1 group undergoing LRPN (treatment arm) and 1 undergoing OPN (controls) between 1997 and 2003. The 14 patients in each group were matched by age (mean 1.9 years in LRPN group vs 2.2 years in OPN group, p = 0.98) and gender. RESULTS: All patients had duplication anomalies. Mean operative time was 194 minutes in the LRPN group and 193 minutes in the OPN group (p = 0.83). The single complication in the LRPN group was a urinoma that did not require intervention. There were no complications in OPN group. LRPN patients had a mean hospitalization of 1.7 days compared to 4.7 days in OPN patients (p = 0.001). Intraoperative narcotic requirements were higher in the LRPN group (0.59 vs 0.22 mg/kg, p = 0.04). Postoperative narcotic requirements were significantly less in the LRPN group (0.44 vs 1.53 mg/kg, p = 0.04). Similar findings were noted in a subanalysis of patients younger than 2 years. All patients had documented postoperative ipsilateral renal growth. Mean followups in the treatment and control groups were 26 and 25 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in small children was shown to be safe and effective. It had equivalent operative times, and decreased postoperative narcotics and hospitalization relative to the open approach, and, therefore, is a potentially advantageous technique.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2005

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: comparison of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has become an effective alternative for small renal tumors. Previous reports include transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches but to our knowledge the indications for when to apply the techniques have not been defined. We report our experience with comparing the 2 techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 51 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies was performed. Patients were analyzed based on the surgical approach, operative parameters and postoperative recovery. The 2 approaches used similar operative techniques to control parenchymal bleeding and collecting system entry. RESULTS: There were 32 retroperitoneal and 19 transperitoneal partial nephrectomies. Mean operative time (3.5 vs 5.4 hours, p = 0.000001) and blood loss (192 vs 403 cc, p = 0.002) was significantly less for the retroperitoneal approach. Renal vessel clamping was performed in 81% of retroperitoneal and 63% of transperitoneal operations. Warm ischemia time was not significantly different between the groups. Patients undergoing the retroperitoneal approach had a statistically significant decrease in time to tolerating a regular diet (1.2 vs 1.7 days, p = 0.02), catheter removal (1.4 vs 2.5 days, p = 0.004) and discharge home (2.3 vs 3.6 days, p = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: Based on tumor location as the selection criteria the retroperitoneal approach was associated with shorter operative time, less blood loss, more rapid return of bowel function and shorter hospitalization compared with those in patients selected for the transperitoneal technique. Based on our experience we believe that the decision on the approach should be based on the tumor location on the kidney surface. For polar or posterolateral masses the retroperitoneal approach is preferred. The transperitoneal approach is best suited to anterior and medial lesions.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

PubMed2005

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We describe the presentation, evaluation and management of hemorrhage due to renal artery pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 345 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed by us during a 5-year period 6 patients (1.7%) had postoperative hemorrhage from a renal artery pseudoaneurysm. Patient charts were reviewed to identify pertinent preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 3.5 cm (range 2.2 to 5), intraoperative blood loss was 175 cc (range 50 to 500), warm ischemia time was 32 minutes (range 30 to 45) and operative time was 3.8 hours (range 2.5 to 5). The mean percent of kidney excised was 31% and pelvicaliceal system entry was suture repaired in all 6 patients. No patient required blood transfusion perioperatively. Average hospital stay was 3.4 days (range 2.5 to 6). Delayed postoperative hemorrhage occurred at a median of 12 days (range 8 to 15). Angiography revealed a renal artery pseudoaneurysm most commonly at a third or fourth order branch (4 and 2 patients, respectively). Percutaneous embolization was successful in each patient. CONCLUSIONS: Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. These patients often present in delayed fashion. Selective angiographic embolization is the initial treatment of choice.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review defines the current role, indications, contraindications, advances, complications, and outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the management of renal tumors. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent publications have widened the scope for the application of this technology. The new advances in the management of renal tumors and the tools for tumor excision, renal parenchymal reconstruction, hemostasis, renal vascular control to establish renal ischemia, and the ability to avoid positive surgical margins have made the procedure safe and feasible in the hands of an experienced laparoscopist. SUMMARY: The trend toward nephron-sparing surgery has become stronger even in the presence of normal contralateral functioning kidney. Data on oncologic efficacy are promising, and partial nephrectomy is becoming a standard therapy for renal tumors less than 4 cm in size in many centers. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has evolved significantly during the past 10 years in our experience as well as that of others. It cannot be considered as a standard yet, but it is being performed in rapidly increasing numbers with good surgical efficiency and oncologic efficacy parallel to that of open surgery.

Hemostasis, Surgical↗

PubMed2004

Favorable outcomes among recipients of living-donor nephrectomy using video-assisted minilaparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive, living-donor nephrectomy (LDN) is an attractive procedure for the donor in kidney transplantation (KTx). Its advantages include better cosmesis, shorter hospital stay, and rapid recovery. The most commonly performed, minimally invasive nephrectomy is done laparoscopically. However, the technical challenges, a steep learning curve for the surgeon, the risk of impaired early graft function, and the high cost of the procedure, have prevented minimally invasive LDN from gaining wide acceptance. To overcome these problems, we have developed a new surgical procedure named video-assisted minilaparotomy (VAM) for LDN. VAM-LDN is performed entirely with a small retrieval incision. Moreover, it does not require the induction of pneumoperitoneum, thereby avoiding potential vascular and renal complications. METHODS: We evaluated the outcome of transplant recipients receiving kidneys with the VAM-LDN procedure by retrospectively comparing the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent KTx with the conventional open nephrectomy (group I, n=82) and VAM-LDN (group II, n=70) procedures from March 1, 1997, to June 30, 2002, at our institution. We compared postoperative complications, patient and graft survival, and graft functions between these two groups during a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic data, ABO compatibility, degree of human leukocyte antigen matching, or method of immunosuppression between the two groups (P >0.05). No significant difference was observed in complications such as delayed graft function, acute rejection, ureter complication, graft failure, or patient's mortality. There was no difference in graft function between the two groups, as determined by serum creatinine level measured during the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The short-term recipient outcome was favorable in patients who underwent KTx with the VAM-LDN procedure.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Use of the LigaSure vessel sealing device in laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy has gained acceptance within the transplant community. The technique requires advanced laparoscopic techniques, and great care must be taken to ensure safety of the operation for the donor and transplantability of the donor kidney. Minimizing the risk of bleeding and trauma to the kidney are important features of a successful living-donor nephrectomy. Improved laparoscopic instrumentation has afforded greater safety and efficacy through technical advances. METHODS: The LigaSure device was used in 124 consecutive living-donor nephrectomies beginning in 1999. A transplant database was reviewed for operative statistics including intraoperative blood loss and operating time. RESULTS: The LigaSure device was used to dissect and seal all venous and arterial branches. Estimated blood loss was 90 +/- 53 mL. A suction device was required in only 40 (32%) of the cases. No patient experienced postoperative bleeding. There were two donor complications: one incisional hernia and one ileus. All kidneys functioned immediately upon reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The LigaSure device is an extremely effective tool for obtaining hemostasis by sealing both venous and arterial branches of the major renal vessels. This is also effective in sealing lymphatic tissues and thereby facilitating dissection. Avoiding the use of metallic clips simplified final division of the renal artery and vein. As with any laparoscopic instrument, the anatomic geometry of the operative field may limit use based upon port placement.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Control of the renal artery and vein with the nonabsorbable polymer ligating clip in hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The large and variable size of the renal vein has prompted most surgeons to select linear stapling devices to secure the vein during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Although effective, these stapling devices have a potential for misfire. Use of the nonabsorbable polymer ligating (NPL) clip during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy provides increased graft vessel length compared with the stapling device, and the NPL clip has a locking mechanism which may increase security compared with standard titanium clips. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the NPL clip for control of the renal artery and vein during hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 50 consecutive HALDN patients was conducted where two parallel NPL clips were used to control both the renal artery and vein. Information collected included demographic data, operative and postoperative data, and complications. RESULTS: Mean donor age was 33.4 years and body mass index was 25.8 kg/m2. Mean operative time was 266.0 min, mean hospital stay was 3.2 days, and mean warm ischemia time was 123.3 seconds. There were no transfusions, open conversions, or complications related to use of the NPL clip. A US 16,300 dollars disposable cost savings was seen during this 1-year period alone. CONCLUSIONS: The NPL clip was 100% safe and effective in controlling the renal artery and vein during HALDN, allowed for additional vessel length, and resulted in a disposable cost savings of US 362 dollars per patient.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for pediatric kidney allograft recipients.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is the method of choice for procuring kidneys from living donors at many transplant centers. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility as well as outcome of LDN in pediatric recipients. Twenty-two pediatric patients, 18-yr old or younger received kidneys procured by a hand-assisted LDN technique. The mean operative time was no different (p = 0.9) and the mean length of stay was more than 1 day shorter in the LDN group (p = 0.0001) compared with the 13 pediatric patients who received kidneys by standard open nephrectomy. Body mass index (BMI), number of donor kidney vessels, or laterality of the kidney did not impact the donor operation or outcome. Actuarial 1-yr patient survival was 100% and allograft survival was 95%, which are equivalent to registry data. There were no donor mortalities and there were five morbidities. None required hospitalization. There were no conversions from LDN to open nephrectomy. One kidney was lost because of overwhelming infection necessitating withdrawal of immunosuppression. In conclusion, hand-assisted LDN is a safe method of procuring kidneys from potential donors with no significant negative outcomes to the pediatric recipients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Renal transplant nephrectomy in children: can an aggressive approach be recommended?

BACKGROUND: A patient with a failed renal graft is generally approached conservatively, especially when graft failure occurs more than 1 month after transplantation. This approach was the cause of extensive morbidity in our institution and therefore we evaluated the correctness of our approach towards transplanted children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case histories of 182 renal transplants in 145 patients, performed between 1977 and 1999 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 63 renal grafts failed: 19 between 0-1 month (group 1), 22 between 1 month and 1 yr (group 2) and 22 later than 1 yr after transplantation (group 3). Fifty-three grafts (84%) were removed: 100% of group 1, 86% of group 2 and 68% of group 3. The symptoms that indicated the need for graft removal were fever without a clear infection focus (n = 12), abdominal pain in the transplant area (n = 14), macroscopic hematuria (n = 10) and severe hypertension (n = 22). After transplant nephrectomy pain, fever and macroscopic hematuria completely resolved in all and hypertension resolved in 36% of patients. Transplant nephrectomy-associated morbidity was observed in 38% of the patients with 100% recovery. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcome confirmed the indications for transplant nephrectomy. Our future approach will be more aggressive: as soon as symptoms such as unexplained fever, local pain or macroscopic hematuria appear, graft removal will be performed without delay.

Graft Rejection↗