Comparison of different extraction sites used during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is commonly performed for renal tumors that are not amenable to nephron sparing treatment. A number of techniques for intact specimen extraction are used. The development of incisional hernias from the extraction site is a known but infrequent delayed complication. We analyzed different extraction sites and risk factors for such hernias.

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intact specimen extraction through 3 sites. Patients and operation specific parameters were included with particular attention to factors predisposing patients to incisional hernia, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic steroid use and a high body mass index.

A total of 181 nephrectomies were performed in 175 patients and 175 kidneys (96.7%) had malignancy. Mean tumor size was 4.9 cm. Mean followup was 28.8 months. Extraction was done from a lower quadrant site in 55 patients (31.4%), from the umbilical site in 58 (33.2%) and from a paramedian site in 62 (35.4%). Patients with paramedian and lower quadrant extraction sites were older (p = 0.016), and had a higher body mass index (p = 0.001) and greater specimen weight (p = 0.003). In 4 patients an incisional hernia developed. An incisional hernia was significantly associated with the paramedian extraction site (p = 0.015).

Incisional hernias may occur as a delayed complication of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. This complication most commonly develops at the extraction site. In patients with a high body mass index using a paramedian extraction site is a significant risk factor for incisional hernia formation.