1,000 Retroperitoneoscopic Procedures of the Upper Urinary Tract: Analysis of Complications

To evaluate risk factors and complications of retroperitoneoscopic procedures of upper urinary tract and adrenal gland.

From 1994 to 2016, 1,000 retroperitoneal laparoscopies were performed - 476 nephrectomies, 201 adrenalectomies, 103 partial nephrectomies, 91 pyeloplasties, 70 nephro-ureterectomies, and 59 miscellaneous surgeries (diverticulectomy). Data collection was prospective. We analyzed age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, operative time, blood loss, hospitalization stay and complications. Risks factors were explored with univariate and multivariate analysis.

The mean BMI was 25 and median ASA 2. The mean operative time was 136 mn, mean blood loss 149 mL. There were 49 conversions. Of the patients, 41 required re-interventions, predominantly due to urinary fistula or post-operative bleeding. Post-operatively, 145 complications were recorded. In multivariate analysis, partial nephrectomies (OR 2.12, p = 0.031, 95% CI [1.07-4.22]) and pyeloplasties (OR 1.97, p = 0.02, 95% CI [1.11-3.48]) were significantly more at risk of complication than nephrectomies. An ASA score of 3 was also a significant risk factor of complications (OR 2.3, p = 0.014, 95% CI [1.17-4.47]) and an increased BMI carried a higher risk of conversion. There was no significant difference of conversion or complication rates between the first and last 500 patients.

Upper urinary tract and adrenal surgeries can be performed by retroperitoneal laparoscopy. This surgical technic is safe and reproducible. The choice of the technic must be oriented by ASA, BMI and the type of surgery.