Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a single-center experience of 51 cases

A modified technique of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for treatment of renal cell carcinoma makes surgery easier, faster, and safer in terms of tumor cell spillage. We report our experience with this procedure in 51 consecutive cases. A transperitoneal approach was used in all cases. The average patient age was 62 years. The solid renal mass diameter was between 2 and 9 cm. Extrafascial mobilization of the kidney included limited lymph node dissection. In six patients the adrenal gland was removed simultaneously. The specimen was removed intact through a small muscle-splitting incision in the lower abdominal wall. The procedure was successful without conversion to open surgery in all 51 patients. The average operating time was 125 minutes, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 7.2 days. Major complications were seen in 4% of patients. Neither local recurrences nor metastases were observed in the following 7.9 (1-19) months. In our experience, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is safe and efficient. Removing the specimen intact through a small muscle-splitting incision reduces operating time, avoids tumor cell spillage, and allows exact pathological staging.