[Nephrectomy through lumbar endoscopy. Report of 3 cases]

After a long experience with transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery of the kidney, we have incorporated the Gaur balloon technique for dissection. We report our experience of 3 nephrectomy procedures performed via lumboscopy, with the patients lying in the lumbotomy position. A 12 mm skin incision is made in the axillary midline. Blunt dissection of the muscle planes is carried out and the retroperitoneal space is explored digitally. A 16 F balloon-tipped catheter is introduced and the balloon is distended with 720 ml saline solution. The catheter is removed and a Hasson trocar with optics and 3 accessory trocars are inserted. The kidney is dissected and the elements of the vascular pedicle are clipped or stapled independently. The kidney is fragmented inside a Lapsac and removed. In our view, this procedure is easier to perform and carries less morbidity than transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy.