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PubMed1987

Simultaneous transplant nephrectomy and ipsilateral second graft retransplantation.

Six cases of simultaneous transplant nephrectomy and retransplantation in the ipsilateral iliac fossa are presented. All primary grafts were lost due to chronic rejection. Patients were followed from forty-one to one hundred months after the second graft transplant. The sources for all grafts were either living related donors or cadavers. Graft nephrectomy was performed through the previous lower quadrant incision; the arterial and venous stumps of the primary grafts were used when possible. In all cases continuity of the urinary tract was reestablished with a Politano-Leadbetter ureteroneocystostomy. There appears to be no increased morbidity in any of these 6 cases, and the survival rate of the second graft is comparable to that of transplantation into the contralateral virginal fossa. Advantages of the simultaneous procedure are discussed.

Follow-Up Studies↗

PubMed1990

Long-term serum creatinine values after radical nephrectomy.

Both pre- and postnephrectomy levels of serum creatinine were measured in 52 consecutive patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma between 1971 and 1976. At the time of follow-up, 17 patients were alive and 35 had died, 14 of renal cell carcinoma and 21 of other causes. Follow-up lasted a minimum of 115.5 months (mean 151.1 months, median 141.1, range 115.5-211.3 months) for 16 of the 17 patients who were alive. In this group only 2 patients had elevations in the serum creatinine level above 1.6 mg/dL-1.9 mg/dL and 2.4 mg/dL, respectively. The patient whose value was 2.4 mg/dL was a diabetic who required insulin. No serious renal failure, renal disease, or tumors in the contralateral kidney occurred among the total group of 52 patients. These data indicate that renal function remains adequate in patients who have a normal contralateral kidney and are treated by radical nephrectomy.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

PubMed1991

Prognostic factors and value of adjunctive nephrectomy in patients with stage IV renal cell carcinoma.

We reviewed 57 cases of Stage IV renal cell carcinoma to clarify the factors influencing prognosis and to evaluate the value of nephrectomy. Cumulative survival from the initial diagnosis was analyzed with respect to the patients' age, sex, side of primary tumor, initial performance status (PS), site of metastasis, and nephrectomy. Overall survival for the patients was 51 percent at one year, 22 percent at three years, and 11 percent at five years. Age, sex, and side of primary tumor had no influence on survival. Improved survival was correlated with good PS, metastases limited to single organ, and removal of the primary tumor. With regard to histopathologic features in nephrectomized patients, low grade and stage were correlated with longer survival. These factors should be considered in the analysis of results of future clinical trials of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Aged↗

PubMed1983

Partial blockade of neurotensin-induced hypotension in rats by nephrectomy captopril and saralasin. Possible mechanisms.

We have assessed the influence of acute bilateral nephrectomy, of captopril and saralasin, on the hypotensive activity of neurotensin (NT) and of various hypotensive drugs in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. The results show that the hypotensive activity of NT and of compound 48/80 (C48/80), in contrast to that of histamine, of 5-hydroxytryptamine and of hexamethonium, is markedly reduced, especially for NT, in nephrectomized as compared to sham operated rats. The pretreatment of rats with captopril (10 mg kg-1, i.v.) or with saralasin (20 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v.) was found to inhibit significantly the hypotensive activity of NT and of C48/80. Adrenalectomy restored partially the hypotensive activity of NT in nephrectomized rats. The potent vasopressin antagonist [d(CH2)5 Tyr(Me)AVP] did not alter the refractoriness of nephrectomized rats to the hypotensive activity of NT. Neither nephrectomy nor saralasin were found to interfere with the ability of NT or of C48/80 to evoke an increase of plasma histamine level or of the hematocrit. The results were interpreted as an indication that NT produces part of its hypotensive effect in anesthetized rats by reducing the activity of the renin angiotensin system. The results also suggest that part of the refractoriness of nephrectomized rats to the hypotensive activity of NT could be due to the release of catecholamines from adrenal glands by NT. Endogenous vasopressin does not appear to contribute to the refractoriness of nephrectomized rats to the hypotensive action of NT.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1993

Unilateral nephrectomy selectively stimulates phospholipase D in the remaining kidney.

The activation of phospholipase D in the kidney could be detected in vivo in rats treated with ethanol by the accumulation of phosphatidylethanol. Unilateral nephrectomy stimulated the activity of phospholipase D in the remaining kidney as indicated by an increase in the level of phosphatidylethanol. A significant increase in phosphatidylethanol level was observed as early as 5 min after contralateral nephrectomy and peak accumulation (200% of control) was observed after 15 min. The phosphatidylethanol level decreased again to the basal level after 2 h. The accumulation of phosphatidylethanol was specific for kidney and the product was localized primarily in the cortex. Phospholipase D activity in kidney cortical slices from untreated rats was stimulated in vitro by plasma obtained from unilaterally nephrectomized rats, indicating that circulating factors in the plasma are responsible for the activation of phospholipase D. The phospholipase D activation by plasma from uninephrectomized animals was selectively inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein, but not by the protein kinase C inhibitor H7. It is concluded that phospholipase D activity is stimulated as an early signal transduction event in compensatory kidney growth.

Alcoholic Intoxication↗

PubMed1994

Radiation response of the monkey kidney following contralateral nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: The long-term functional and morphologic responses of the hypertrophied monkey kidney after unilateral nephrectomy to fractionated irradiation were assessed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The right kidney of 13 adult female rhesus monkeys was removed. Twelve weeks after unilateral nephrectomy (UN) the remaining kidney received fractionated doses of gamma-rays ranging from 35.2 Gy/16 fractions (F) up to 44 Gy/20 F. Glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and hematocrit values were measured up to 107 weeks postirradiation (PI). The monkeys were killed and the remaining kidneys were removed 107 weeks PI or earlier when end-stage renal failure was exhibited. Glomeruli were scored for the presence/absence of several pathologic features including increased intercapillary eosinophilic material (ICE), ectatic capillaries, and thrombi. The relative proportion of renal cortex occupied by glomeruli, interstitium, normal tubules or abnormal tubules was determined using a Chalkley point grid. These quantal dose response data were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Irradiation of the remaining kidney in UN monkeys resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in renal function and anemia. Glomerular dysfunction preceded tubular dysfunction. Animals receiving 44 Gy all manifested progressive clinical renal failure. Conversely, those receiving < or = 39.6 Gy showed stable, albeit impaired, renal function for the duration of the observation period of 107 weeks. Morphologically, the incidence of ICE, ectatic glomerular capillaries, thrombi, and periglomerular fibrosis was significantly dose-related (p < 0.005). A significant (p < 0.001) dose-related increase in the relative proportion of renal cortex occupied by abnormal tubules was indicative of tubular injury. A highly significant (p < 0.001) dose-dependent increase in the proportion of abnormal to normal tubules was also seen. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of radiation nephropathy is difficult to fully understand because of the complex and dynamic interactions among all components of the nephron that make discrimination between primary radiation effects and secondary pathophysiological consequences very difficult. Notwithstanding, the current experiment shows that the functional and morphological expressions of radiation injury in the kidney are dose dependent. Renal failure occurs when both the glomeruli and tubules are dysfunctional. In monkeys following UN, a total dose of 44 Gy to the remaining kidney damages all components of the nephron and causes renal failure in less than 45 weeks. With lower doses, changes to the glomeruli predominate and the animals survive. Kidney doses of up to 39.6 Gy/18 fractions of 2.2 Gy are compatible with survival for at least 2 years in primates.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

A survey of follow-up practice of urologists across Britain and Ireland following nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

AIM: To determine the follow-up protocol for interval assessment of patients following radical nephrectomy for renal cell cancer and to compare them with the recommendations proposed in the literature. METHODS: Consultant urologists across Britain and Ireland completed a postal questionnaire. One follow-up mailing was used to encourage non-responders. The responses were analysed in the light of the recommendations from European Association of Urology and American guidelines. Also information was collected from the respondents on the choice of follow-up investigations for renal cell cancer and the total duration of follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 480 urologists surveyed 292 (60.8%) responded. Most respondents recommended regular follow-up with chest radiography (CR), ultrasound and computed tomography (CT). For T1 disease CR was requested by 28, 62 and 55%; for T2 disease by 30, 66 and 51%; for T3 disease by 39, 63, and 48% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. For T1 disease US was requested by 5, 23 and 30%; for T2 disease 6, 27 and 30%; for T3 disease 8, 25, and 26% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. For T1 disease an abdominal CT was requested by 2, 17 and 21%; for T2 disease 3.7, 19.5 and 26%; for T3 disease 10, 31, and 33% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Only one respondent followed the guidelines suggested in the literature. Further follow-up after 12 months for 5 and 10 years was suggested by 58.2 and 21.3% for T1, 53 and 24.73% for T2, and 45.5 and 25.5% for T3, respectively. There is appreciable variation in the frequency of use and timing of imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents perform follow-up after radical nephrectomy in patients with renal cancer, with considerable variability in their practices. In the current increasingly cost-conscious healthcare industry a scientifically justified follow-up should be considered.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

PubMed2005

Surgical outcome following radical nephrectomy in cases with inferior vena cava tumour thrombus extension.

AIM: To report our experience with extensive surgery in patients with and without metastatic renal cell carcinoma and gross venous tumour thrombus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with unilateral renal cell carcinoma and tumour thrombus into the vena cava underwent radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy. Eight patients presented with metastatic disease at the time of surgery. Mean follow-up was 17 months (1-54 months, median 9 months). Follow-up was available for 26 patients (96%). RESULTS: Thirteen patients were alive at the time of the study; 11 without evidence of disease with a mean follow-up of 25 months and two (one with and one without metastasis at surgery) with distant metastasis at 16 and 36 months. Eleven patients have died of progressive disease. Mean survival in patients (19 patients) without metastatic disease at time of surgery was 15.2 months; patients (seven patients) with metastatic disease at surgery had a mean survival of 6.7 months. CONCLUSION: Radical nephrectomy and vena caval tumour thrombectomy can be performed in selected patients with an acceptable complication rate. Patients without metastatic disease have a better prognosis than patients with metastatic disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Prognostic significance of tumour size in patients after tumour nephrectomy for localised renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Staging of the primary tumour is accepted as the most important prognostic factor in organ confined renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: The outcome of 286 patients with non-metastatic RCC treated by radical nephrectomy at our institution between 1968 and 1992 was evaluated retrospectively. The median follow-up was 114 +/- 62.6 months. In T1/T2 tumours, the validity of tumour size cut-off points for predicting survival outcome was tested. RESULTS: According to the 1997 TNM classification, 168 patients (59%) showed pathological stage T1 (72 stage T1a, 96 stage T1b), 30 (10%) showed stage T2, 84 patients (29%) demonstrated T3 tumours (53 stage T3a, 31 stage T3b), and 4 patients (2%) presented with T4 tumours. The median survival estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis for T1a, T1b, T2, T3a, T3b and T4 tumours was over 300 months, 187.0 +/- 32.76; 177.0 +/- 1.21; 121.0 +/- 2.57; 124.0 +/- 11.82 and 52.0 +/- 18.38 months, respectively. Regarding survival in T1/T2 tumours Cox regression analysis yielded the highest significance level for a tumour size cut-off point at 4 cm (p = 0.003; 95%CI 1.511-6.991), but no prognostic value for a cut-off point at 7 cm (T1 vs. T2) (p = 0.375; 95%CI 0.655-3.071). CONCLUSIONS: Tumour size is an important prognostic factor in patients with organ confined RCC. The recently specified new cut-off point of 4 cm for T1a/T1b tumours is feasible for separating groups with different survival after tumour nephrectomy and should be considered as the new boundary between T1 and T2 stages. Hence, a more accurate prediction of prognostic differences between these groups should be possible.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Left laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with direct access to the renal artery: technical advantages.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the technical advantages of early ligature of the renal artery at the level of the Treitz ligament during left laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients underwent LRN for organ-confined lesions. We grouped measured parameters (see Results) on the basis of the first 13 and last 13 patients, and compared both subgroups. All parameters were correlated to stage of disease (pT1 vs pT2-3). The Student t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean (range) for measured parameters are as follows: age: 56.5 +/- 11.6 (41-77) years; American Society of Anesthesiologists score: 2.4 +/- 1 (1-3); body mass index: 23.4 +/- 3.4 (21.1-33); lesion size at computed tomography: (6.2 +/- 2.4 (4-12) cm; operative skin to skin time: 130 +/- 20 (125-170) minutes; blood loss: 255 +/- 120 (100-800) ml; hospital stay: 6.5 +/- 2.0 (4-15) days; analgesic consumption (Tramadol 100 mg): 2.5 +/- 1 (2-4) vials; follow-up time: 30.5 +/- 5.6 (3-48) months. No intra-operative complications occurred. Pathologic analysis showed 12 pT1N0, five pT2N0, eight pT3aN0 and one pT3b N2 with mean lesion size of 6.2 +/- 1.6 (4-13) cm. Mean number of removed lymph nodes was 9.8 +/- 1.6 (7-17). No statistical difference was observed between the two subgroups (p > 0.05), and between pT1 and pT2-3 stage (p > 0.05) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early ligature using direct access to the renal artery at the Treitz ligament permits the surgeon to follow the classic steps and principles of radical nephrectomy.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal diseases in children: is there a learning curve?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We evaluated the impact of a surgeon's experience, divided our first 20 consecutive series that involved a single surgeon at the numerical midpoint of his experience, and compared outcomes regarding this midpoint. METHODS: From August 1996 to August 2001, laparoscopic nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy was performed in 20 consecutive children, 12 girls and 8 boys aged between 1 and 15 years (median, 5.9 years). Disease was in the right side in 11 patients and in the left side in 9. The children were divided into 2 groups of 10. We retrospectively obtained data on all patients and compared pertinent perioperative information including operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The procedure was feasible in all cases and did not require conversion to open surgery or perioperative transfusion in any case. The operation time reduced from a median of 181 minutes over the first 10 patients to 125 minutes over the second 10, and this difference was significant (P = .02). Estimated blood loss and days to the first postoperative oral feeding for the second 10 patients were less than for those of the first 10 but there was no significant difference. The median hospital stay of the first 10 patients was 5.4 days (range, 2-10 days), significantly longer than the 2.5 days of the second 10 (range, 2-7 days) (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy operation times in children reduced when the surgical experience level exceeded approximately 10 cases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Venacavoscopy during nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval thrombus.

PURPOSE: Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval thrombus remains a complex challenge for the urologist. Aggressive surgery to remove all tumor can result in long-term survival. Liver transplant techniques, assistance from cardiac surgeons and bypass techniques can yield optimal vascular control but there is still a blind element inside the inferior vena cava when the thrombus is evacuated. We present data on a technique using a flexible cystoscope to evaluate the lumen of the intrahepatic and suprahepatic inferior vena cava after nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients underwent radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval thrombus. During surgery and after removal of the tumor thrombus a flexible cystoscope was inserted into the venacavotomy for direct inspection of the inferior vena caval lumen. Any residual tumor was manipulated out of the lumen and removed. Patient records were reviewed for data on the time of this procedure, estimated blood loss, residual tumor, postoperative complications and survival. RESULTS: Venacavoscopy required an average additional 5.6 minutes and residual tumor was found in 3 of 7 patients. Average estimated blood loss was 1,170 cc and it was not affected by venacavoscopy. One patient experienced acalculous cholecystitis, possibly as a result of this procedure. Mean followup was 17.6 months with 5 of 7 patients alive. CONCLUSIONS: Venacavoscopy is a safe, reliable method of intraoperative inspection of the inferior vena cava that uses equipment and techniques familiar to every urologist. This can help prevent incomplete thrombectomy and disastrous pulmonary embolus.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Renal artery aneurysm in hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: case report.

We report a living donor who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy using a hand-assisted device (HALD). At preoperative arteriography the donor showed a renal artery aneurysm. The patient was a 37-year-old female, 166 cm height, white, weighing 87 kg, HLA identical to the recipient. HALD was indicated due to the better visualization of renal pedicle and greater security in an obese patient. Renal artery aneurysm is a rare condition, with many possible complications. The method proved to be adequate and safe for donor nephrectomy, despite a renal artery aneurysm.

Aneurysm↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy in Italy: a national profile.

BACKGROUND: There are no data concerning the national experience with laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) in Italy. A survey was therefore conducted in May 2003 to establish current practice patterns and to describe the outcome of this procedure. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to the 37 Italian kidney transplant centers. Items covered each center's attitude toward LLDN, number of cases performed, and the outcome of donors and recipients. RESULTS: The return rate was 100%. The surveyed centers performed 4818 kidney transplants between January 2000 and May 2003, including 401 (8.3%) from living donors of whom 113 (28.2%) used grafts retrieved by laparoscopy. Despite an absolute increase in the number of living donors, the occurrence of a similar trend in cadaveric donation did not significantly change the overall living donor rate. Sixty-eight percent of LLDNs were done at only two centers. There was no mortality or graft loss and only a minor morbidity related to LLDN. Italian transplant surgeons showed a positive attitude toward LLDN; only a few of those not performing it had no plans to begin an LLDN program. CONCLUSIONS: Three years after the first national case, LLDN had not yet change the living donor rate, although an increasing number of donor nephrectomies were now performed by laparoscopy. Overall the results with the new technique are encouraging, although the pattern of diffusion of LLDN between different areas is heterogeneous and will demand continuous efforts on training programs in laparoscopic techniques for transplant surgeons.

Cadaver↗

PubMed2004

Right-sided laparaoscopic donor nephrectomy is feasible: experience with three cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is more difficult on the right than the left and is typically not recommended for the right kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2002 and May 2003, three patients underwent right-sided donor nephrectomy: one transperitoneally and two retroperitoneoscopically. All procedures were performed in the right kidney position. Three ports were placed for retroperitoneoscopic approach and four for transperitoneal, including one to retract the liver. Renal arteries were clipped thrice and divided, and renal veins divided using an endo-GIA30 stapler. Kidneys were retrieved in all cases by extending the lower port incision by 7 to 8 cm. The records of donors and recipients, including early graft outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Kidney retrieval time and total warm ischemic time were 3:30 minutes and 5 minutes, respectively, for transperitoneal LDN and 3:40 to 4:10 minutes and 5 to 7 minutes, respectively, for retroperitoneal LDN. The operating times were 176, 224, and 160 minutes, respectively. The first donor (transperitoneal) was discharged on the fourth postoperative day, and the other two (retroperitoneal) on the third day. The serum creatinine of all recipients normalized within 72 hours, with normal isotope renal scans on the fifth postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Right-sided LDN is feasible and safe without adversely affecting graft quality. The retroperitoneal approach is technically easier, gives a longer length of renal artery, and has a quicker convalescence.

Female↗

PubMed2004

Terminal hand-assist for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has become widely popular in developed countries but not so in developing countries. One explanation for this maybe the difficulty in getting access devices due to the prohibitive cost. We report our method of terminal hand-assisted LDN in which successful donor nephrectomy is feasible without expensive access devices. METHOD: The patient is placed in the corresponding classic renal surgery position. Three ports are placed for left-sided and four for right-sided LDN. After complete mobilization of the kidney laparoscopically, the assistant's right hand is introduced for left-sided LDN through a 7-cm left lower quadrant transverse muscle-splitting incision. For right-sided LDN, the surgeon's right hand is inserted through a corresponding ipsilateral incision (for right-handed surgeons). A simple method to prevent the leakage of pneumoperitoneum is described. The hand inside the abdomen aids in the final steps and completes the extraction of the kidney swiftly. Manual mopping, lavage, and hemostasis are also possible. RESULTS: Five cases of LDN at our centre were done in this fashion, four on the left side and one on the right. The mean kidney retrieval time after clamping the renal artery was 3:18 +/- 0:46 minutes (range 2:30 to 4:30). Postoperative stay was 4 to 5 days. Recipient serum creatinine normalized within 3 to 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Short duration terminal hand-assist for LDN without any special access device is possible without the fear of excessive gas leakage. It is helpful to reduce prolonged warm ischemia and to relieve the surgeon's apprehension, at least in the initial learning phase of LDN.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Initial experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomies.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is being adopted rapidly by transplant centres around the world as it offers less postoperative pain, quicker convalescence, and better cosmetic result when compared with the open approach. There may, however, be a steep learning curve with this technique. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the donor morbidity and graft outcome of 21 consecutive LDN performed at one centre between May 2002 and August 2003. RESULTS: Eighteen LDN were performed on the left and three on the right side. All left and one right LDN were done transperitoneally while the remaining two right side kidneys were removed by a retroperitoneal approach. The mean (+/-SD) operating time and warm ischemic time were, respectively, 236 minutes (+/- 46) and 4 minutes (+/- 1). The mean time for resuming oral intake was 23 hours (SD +/- 22.7). The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range 3 to 18). One patient was reoperated for bleeding and required four units of packed cell transfusion. One recipient displayed delayed graft function requiring dialysis for 14 days. There were no graft losses. The mean creatinine of the recipients at the time of discharge was 1.15 mg/dL (+/- 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: There is undoubtedly a learning curve with LDN. Nevertheless, with prior skills in similar procedures such as laparoscopic radical nephrectomies, it is feasible to diminish the learning curve and morbidity of LDN to yield results consistent with those in the published literature.

Graft Survival↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: new combination of hand-assisted and standard approaches.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) was conceived to decrease morbidity and reduce donor disincentives, it requires considerable experience. We present a new combination of hand-assisted and standard laparoscopic approaches to live donor nephrectomy. METHODS: Between March 2002 and February 2003, ten LLDNs were performed with the new procedures. Using the new methodology the surgeon can withdraw his hand and insert a trocar through the hand-assisted device whenever he desires. Although the hand-assisted procedure was performed in most patients, we attempted to dissect the renal hilum without hand assistance in the final patient, successfully procuring the kidney. RESULTS: Mean operation time was 245 minutes and warm ischemic time was 179 seconds. No vascular, renal parenchymal, or ureteral injuries occurred. The patient with multiple left renal arteries had a longer warm ischemic time and delayed graft function. Mean predonation creatinine was 0.97 mg/dL, it increased to 1.44 and 1.15 mg/dL at 7 days and 3 months postdonation, respectively. One patient had chylous ascites and another had a transient left brachial plexus paralysis. CONCLUSIONS: Both pure laparoscopic and hand-assisted LLDN have advantages and disadvantages. In our modification, the free conversion from hand-assisted to a purely laparoscopic approach allows the surgeon to practice two procedures simultaneously. With this combination, 90% of the LLDN were accomplished, with pure laparoscopy in the last case.

Humans↗