Nephropexy ad modum Albarran Marion: long-term follow-up

To report a long-term follow-up of nephropexy ad modum (a.m.) Albarran Marion.

Between 1980 and 1999, 18 women (mean age 42.6 years) underwent nephropexy a.m. Albarran Marion. The duration of symptoms varied from 7 months to 9 years. All patients were examined preoperatively using excretory urography and renography in both the supine and erect positions in order to document renal descent. Patients with decreased renal function also underwent postoperative renography. A questionnaire concerning pre- and post-treatment symptoms was sent to all patients.

Hospitalization averaged 7.2 days (range 4-15 days). Pneumothorax occurred in 7 patients, 3 of whom required temporary drainage. One patient developed pneumonia and another a retroperitoneal haematoma; no other complications occurred. All postoperative renography findings were normal. Median follow-up time was 11.2 years (range 2-21 years). At follow-up, 87.5% of patients were satisfied with the results and were free from pain. Two patients were not satisfied with the results; retrospectively the indications for surgery in these 2 cases were not absolute.

Operative treatment for symptomatic nephroptosis should only be performed in selected cases. We present a success rate of 87.5% for nephropexy a.m. Albarran Marion, at a mean follow-up of 11.2 years, which equals the best results obtained with other procedures. The choice of operative procedure for symptomatic nephroptosis must be based on the special interests and skills available at the institutions concerned.