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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Single-port live donor nephrectomy using a novel Curved Radius r2 Surgical System in an in vivo model
Marty Zdichavsky1, Martina Krautwald, Tobias Meile
1Department General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany.
Objective:
Single-port laparoscopic donor nephrectomy provides low morbidity and satisfactory cosmetic results for patients. The aim of this animal study was to establish a surgical technique of single-site (LESS) living donor nephrectomy using novel curved r2 CURVE manipulators specially designed for single-port access.
Material And Methods:
A total of six LESS nephrectomies were performed in three female pigs. r2 CURVE-instruments (Tuebingen Scientific Medical GmbH) were used providing a curved rotatable shaft, endless tip rotation, as well as 90° tip deflection. A 10 mm 30° extra long laparoscope, r2-curved Grasper, Maryland dissector and bipolar scissors were used for mobilization and dissection.
Results:
All LESS nephrectomies were performed successfully. Average operative time was 80 min (range, 42-149 min). No technical problems were observed. Insertion and extraction of the instruments through the single-port were easy to conduct. The diameter of the used single-port was sufficient for safe manual organ harvesting. Potential conflict between the laparoscope and the instrument handles was avoided by using an extra long laparoscope.
Conclusions:
The new curved and deflectable instruments showed that single-port nephrectomy using the R2 manipulators is feasible. Single-port laparoscopic nephrectomy might be more patient-friendly and improve the willingness of potential donors to donate live organs.
