Laparoscopic heminephrectomy in horseshoe kidneys: A single center experience

Laparoscopic approach in horseshoe kidney (HSK) is a challenge because of the aberrant vessels, the renal isthmus and the renal ectopia are all unique features of this anomaly encountered during the surgery. We report our single center experience with this technique in managing three patients with HSK.

A total of 15 cases (9 males and 6 females) were operated between June 2011 and December 2016 for various indications. Of these four patients were managed laparoscopically, two patients with HSK had non-functioning renal moiety underwent transperitoneal heminephrectomy. The third patient with a mass in right moiety with thin fibrous isthmus was successfully managed with laparoscopic heminephrectomy. Fourth patient with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction with multiple renal calculi was managed with pyeloplasty and complete clearance of all calyceal the stones.

Mean operating time was 140 ± 1.8 (100-180) min, and estimated blood loss was 131 ± 12.6 (30-320) ml. The mean hospital stay was 2.3 ± 1.4 (1-5) days. There were no major intra- and post-operative complications except minimal postoperative discomfort.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is technically feasible, safe, and reliable for benign and malignant diseases in a HK with mainly three factors posing challenges during the surgery are the abnormal vasculature, division of the isthmus, and lower location of the kidney.