[Cosmesis and Body Image after Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site Donor Nephrectomy]

Using a questionnaire, we objectively assessed the body image of donors who underwent conventional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (L-DN) or laparoscopic single-site donor nephrectomy (LESS-DN). Subjects were 15 patients who underwent an L-DN and 15 who underwent an LESS-DN. The questionnaire consisted of the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), including a Body Image Scale (BIS) and Cosmetic Scale (CS), and a Photo-Series Questionnaire (PSQ). A higher score indicated a more favorable assessment, and patient scores were compared. Subjects were also asked which procedure they preferred if they had to undergo donor nephrectomy again. Pain was assessed by comparing the number of times an analgesic was administered during hospitalization. The average BIS score was 18.7 points (out of 20) for patients who underwent an L-DN and 19.5 points for patients who underwent an LESS-DN ; those who underwent an LESS-DN had a significantly higher score (p=0.03). Patients who underwent an L-DN had a median CS score of 17.5 points (out of 24) while patients who underwent an LESS-DN had a median CS score of 19.1 points ; those who underwent an LESS-DN had a higher score, but the difference in average CS scores was not significant (p=0.123). The average PSQ score was 7.1 points for patients who underwent an L-DN and 8.8 points for patients who underwent an LESS-DN ; the higher score for LESS-patients was statistically significant (p=0.01). Patients who underwent an L-DN were administered an analgesic a median of 4 times during hospitalization (range : 3-10 times) while patients who underwent an LESS-DN were administered an analgesic a median of 2 times (range : 0-4 times), which was significantly less (p=0.01). Patients who underwent LESS-DN had a better body image and better cosmetic appearance than those who underwent LDN, thus indicating the usefulness of LESS-DN. However, a more prospective larger study needs to be performed.