Laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy: a comparison with conventional laparoscopy

To study the feasibility and safety of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) radical nephrectomy, we compared the operative results with conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

Ten patients underwent LESS radical nephrectomy for renal tumors (group 1). Two types of single-port devices, a SILS port and a homemade single-port device that was made using a surgical glove and a wound retractor, were used through a 4-cm periumbilical incision. The operative results of LESS radical nephrectomy matched those of 12 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (group 2). For comparing the 2 groups, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Fisher exact test were used.

LESS surgeries were completed successfully, without conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery. The patients' characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. The mean operative times in groups 1 and 2 were 127.7 ± 22.3 minutes and 126.1 ± 43.1 minutes, respectively (P = 0.235). The mean estimated blood loss was 185.7 ± 121.9 mL and 324.0 ± 187.0 mL, respectively (P = 0.65). The complication rates were 10% and 17%, respectively (P = 0.658). The mean times to postoperative initiation of ambulation and initiation of oral intake were not different in the two groups (1.1 vs 1.0 days, P = 0.269; 1.0 vs 1.0 day, P = 1.0). The mean lengths of hospital stay were 6.5 and 6.1 days (P = 0.435). The mean tumor sizes were 4.0 cm and 5.2 cm (P = 0.345).

LESS radical nephrectomy is technically feasible and comparable to conventional laparoscopy. Long-term follow-up and technical development, however, are needed for assessing the cancer-control effect and facilitating the minimal invasiveness of the surgery.