The not so 'simple' laparoscopic nephrectomy: Experience with 3D laparoscopy from a tertiary care centre

Laparoscopic simple nephrectomy (LSNx) is among the gold standard options for management of selected poorly functioning and most non-functioning kidneys (PFK/NFKs). Our objective was to audit our patients who had undergone LSNx for benign causes and assess their perioperative outcomes and analyse the factors correlating with these outcomes.

We reviewed our prospectively collected data of patients with PFK/NFKs due to benign causes who underwent a LSNx on a three-dimensional (3D) system via a transperitoneal approach between January 2017 and June 2023. Details on clinical profile, radiological findings and peri-operative details were recorded and analysed.

A total of 302 patients underwent LSNx in the study duration. Urolithiasis was the most common cause of PFK/NFKs in 66.5% of patients followed by pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in 14.9%. Rate of conversion to open surgery was 5.3%. Final histopathology revealed chronic pyelonephritis in 82% patients and Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) in 14%. Multivariate analysis revealed presence of pre-operative fat stranding on imaging, larger kidney size, presence of XGPN and pyonephrosis to be significantly associated with longer operation times. Prior renal surgery, positive urine culture, presence of XGPN and a higher body mass index was associated with a longer hospital stay and increased rate of post-operative complications.

LSNx is commonly employed for management of PFK/NFKs from various aetiologies, the most common of which is urolithiasis in our experience. Multiple clinico-radiological factors as described correlated with longer operative times and prolonged hospital stay, which aids in surgical planning and patient counselling.