Complications of transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy: a single-center experience

To present the incidence of complications of transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy performed for various indications during a 6-year period.

From 2002 to 2007, 505 transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed, consisting of 125 live donor, 212 radical, 80 simple, and 28 partial nephrectomies and 60 nephroureterectomies. We retrospectively analyzed the factors related to perioperative complications, including the type of operation, body mass index, history of abdominal surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score.

The overall complication rate was 13.7% (69/505). Major complications requiring open conversion or reoperation occurred in 15 patients (3.0%). The remaining 54 patients experienced minor surgical or postoperative medical problems. The mortality rate in our series was 0%. The complication rates by the type of operation were not significantly different. Patients with a history of abdominal surgery demonstrated slightly greater complication rates (19.2% vs 12.6%, P = .069). When stratified by a body mass index of <25 kg/m(2) and <25 kg/m(2), no statistically significant difference was found in the complication rates (13.1% vs 15.6%, respectively, P = .067). Patients with greater American Society of Anesthesiologists scores had greater complication rates (P = .038). The intraoperative complication rates decreased as our experience with laparoscopic surgery increased (P = .042); however, the total complication rates remained constant throughout the study period.

In consideration of the contributing factors, the complication rates of transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy were not related to the type of operation, body mass index, or history of abdominal operation but to the American Society for Anesthesiologists score. Complications unique to laparoscopic nephrectomy exist but they decrease with experience.