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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Long-Term Risk for Scrotal Hydrocelectomy After Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy: A Population-Based Matched
Amit X Garg1,2,3,4,5, Anita Lloyd6, Liane S Feldman7
1ICES, ON, Canada.
Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Male kidney donors undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy face a higher risk of hydrocelectomy and scrotal ultrasounds compared to nondonors. This study highlights a potential complication for living kidney donation, emphasizing the need for informed consent regarding long-term scrotal health.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Laparoscopic nephrectomy in male living kidney donors can lead to testicular complications like hydrocele.
- Previous studies indicated higher rates of hydrocelectomy and scrotal ultrasounds in male donors versus nondonors.
- This research aimed to replicate these findings in a different Canadian population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term risk of hydrocelectomy following laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy.
- To compare the incidence of hydrocelectomy and scrotal ultrasounds in male kidney donors versus matched nondonors.
- To inform potential living kidney donors about associated scrotal health risks.
Main Methods:
- A population-based matched cohort study was conducted using linked healthcare databases in Alberta, Canada.
- 115 male kidney donors were matched with 1150 nondonors based on age, entry date, residence, income, and prior surgeries.
- The primary outcome was hydrocelectomy, with scrotal ultrasound as a secondary outcome, followed for a median of eight years.
Main Results:
- The rate of hydrocelectomy was significantly higher in kidney donors (2.6%) compared to nondonors (0.1%).
- Rates of scrotal ultrasounds were also substantially elevated in the donor group (23.4 events/1000 person-years) versus nondonors (7.5 events/1000 person-years).
- Statistical significance was achieved for both outcomes (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy is associated with significantly increased rates of hydrocelectomy and scrotal ultrasounds in male recipients.
- The findings underscore the importance of counseling male living kidney donors on the potential for developing symptomatic scrotal hydroceles post-surgery.
- Informed consent should include discussion of these long-term scrotal health risks.
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