Understanding potential intraoperative impediments for learning laparoscopic nephrectomy

We evaluated factors that impact the ability to learn hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) to identify impediments to diffusion of this procedure.

From February 2002 to June 2004, we collected data from our institutional database on 70 patients who underwent HALDN. Time for individual steps of the procedure (colon mobilization, kidney/ureter mobilization, renal vein tributary dissection, renal hilum dissection, removal of the kidney, and overall time) were recorded. The impact of patient factors on surgical times was assessed using a general linear model. The impact of individual operative steps on overall operative time was assessed using Pearson correlation. The influence of case experience and training level were evaluated graphically and in a multivariable model.

A total of 13 residents, 2 fellows, and 1 attending surgeon participated in procedures for 70 patients. Body mass index (P = 0.03) and male sex (P = 0.04) prolonged operative times. Colon mobilization and hilar dissection were most correlated with overall operative time. While experience improved operative times for several steps, level of training appeared more likely to influence the time for individual operative steps.

Impediments to learning HALDN include patient factors, level of training, and particular surgical steps. Repeated exposure at increasing levels of training may improve diffusion of laparoscopic nephrectomy among urologists.