Early small bowel obstruction complicating hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: an uncommon etiology

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is gaining widespread acceptance as a minimally invasive technique for kidney donation. Although it has been associated with decreased patient morbidity and more rapid recovery, it exposes patients to possible complications inherent in its transperitoneal route. We report a case of a small bowel obstruction secondary to midjejunal intussusception occurring on the third postoperative day after a hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The intussusception proved to be idiopathic since no lead point was identified. The patient recovered without significant sequela after reduction of the intussusceptum. Postoperative ideopathic intussusception is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction in adults. Surgeons that perform laparoscopic donor nephrectomy will need to remain vigilant for complications that can be associated with the intraperitoneal route of this technique.