[Kidney surgery using lumbar endoscopy: initial experiences]

To evaluate the feasibility, safety and clinical value of lumboscopy for the treatment of upper urinary tract diseases.

Six nephrectomies, one renal biopsy and one renal cystectomy were performed by retroperitoneoscopy (lumboscopy) in 7 patients. These cases represent the beginning of our experience. The operating time, incidence of intraoperative or postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were studied.

The mean operating time was 134 min for nephrectomy, 180 min for cystectomy and 30 min for renal biopsy. No complications were observed. No conversion into laparotomy was required. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3 days in the patients who were submitted to a single operation.

Lumboscopy is a relatively easy, safe and reliable technique, and its use in urology warrants further study and development. Dissection of the retroperitoneal space with low pressure CO2 is possible and simplifies the procedure, without increasing the risks for the patient. The indications, especially for nephrectomy, are currently under evaluation.