Is laparoscopic nephropexy improving the quality of life

Short- and long-term effectiveness of laparoscopic nephropexy was evaluated in patients with symptomatic nephroptosis especially quality of life of the patients and repositioning of the ptotic kidney. In 87 patients with symptomatic nephroptosis laparoscopic nephropexy was performed from 1994 to 2003. In 86 patients trans-abdominal approach was used and retroperitoneal in one patient. Visual pain scale was used for pain evaluation before surgery and six month after surgery. At the same period creatinine serum concentration, urine examination, i.v. urography and ultrasound in supine and erect position was made. There was statistical significant decrease of pain from 6.5 +/- 1.055 (SD) to 2.4 +/- 1.577 (SD) (p = 0.000), according to visual scale, and decrease of urinary tract infections (p = 0.000) in patients after laparoscopic nephropexy. Average operative time was 45.9 +/- 8 (SD) min., and hospital stay 3.4 +/- 0.7 (SD) days. Reposition of the kidney was successful in 70 of 80 patients. Laparoscopic nephropexy importantly improved the quality of life in patients with symptomatic nephroptosis. Surgical procedure was safe and successful in most of the patients.