Laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral pretransplant nephrectomy for uncontrolled hypertension

Severe hypertension resistant to multiple antihypertensive drugs represents an indication for bilateral pretransplant renal ablation by surgery or angioembolization. Besides causing severe pain and renal postinfarction syndrome, angioembolization may be ineffective. We present our experience with simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic pretransplant nephrectomies in patients with end-stage renal disease and severe uncontrollable hypertension. Among the three patients considered for bilateral pretransplant laparoscopic nephrectomy between September 2002 and August 2003, the procedure was successfully performed in two patients. Left nephrectomy was performed transperitoneally and right nephrectomy retroperitoneoscopically. In one of the three patients, a prior attempt at angioembolization had produced a dense perirenal reaction, rendering laparoscopic surgery impossible. Total operating time for bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomies was 260 and 280 minutes. Within 1 month following the nephrectomies, all patients became normotensive with minimal or no antihypertensive medications. We conclude that simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy is feasible and less morbid in end-stage renal disease patients. Prior angioembolisation can make laparoscopic surgery difficult or impossible.