A retrospective multi-centre study on the outcome of laparoscopic simple nephrectomies

SummaryObjectiveA review of our experience in laparoscopic simple nephrectomies from May 2003 to May 2011 in the Urology Departments in Oxford and Reading.MethodA total of 100 patients, median age 46 years (IQR = 27, range 17–82) underwent a laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for benign disease in the 8-year period reviewed. Data on patient demographics, pre-operative diagnosis, operating time, operative approach, estimated blood loss, in hospital post-operative complications and length of stay were collected from electronic databases held in the departments and regularly updated.Results100 laparoscopic simple nephrectomies were performed between May 2003 and May 2011. Median operating time was 180 min (IQR = 60 min, range 75–375 min). Median estimated blood loss was 50 ml (IQR = 50 ml, range 10–1000 ml). Median length of stay was 3 days (IQR = 3, range 2–14 days). No patients suffered from significant changes in renal function. Three patients were transfused between 2 and 3 units. 26 complications were recorded for 22 patients. Four were Clavien grade IIIb and 22 were grades I–II.ConclusionAlthough laparoscopic simple nephrectomy is feasible and confers the usual benefits of laparoscopy it is often a technically challenging procedure. We used the Clavien Classification to standardise complications of laparoscopic simple nephrectomies. The term “simple” nephrectomy is misleading and should be changed.