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Updated: Apr 13, 2026

Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Single-port retroperitoneal renal biopsy using standard urological instruments
Rodrigo Guerra1, Flavio Vasconcelos Ordones1, Hamilto Akihissa Yamamoto1
1Department of Urology, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
Single-port retroperitoneal renal biopsy (SPRRB) is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for pediatric patients. This approach offers a reliable alternative to traditional open and laparoscopic renal biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Nephrology
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Surgical renal biopsy is crucial for diagnosing pediatric kidney diseases.
- Traditional open and videolaparoscopic approaches have limitations.
- A novel technique, single-port retroperitoneal renal biopsy (SPRRB), was developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the surgical technique of SPRRB.
- To report the initial clinical experience with SPRRB in children.
Main Methods:
- SPRRB was performed on five pediatric patients between January and April 2013.
- A single 1.5 cm incision under the 12th rib allowed trocar insertion.
- A nephroscope facilitated kidney identification and tissue sampling via laparoscopic forceps.
Main Results:
- SPRRB was successfully completed in all five children.
- Mean operative time was 32 minutes with minimal blood loss (<10 mL).
- Patients were discharged after a two-day hospital stay, with an average of 31 glomeruli per specimen.
Conclusions:
- SPRRB is a simple, safe, and reliable surgical renal biopsy method.
- It presents a viable alternative to open and videolaparoscopic techniques.
- This minimally invasive approach is suitable for pediatric renal biopsies.
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