[Laparoscopic transplantectomy of renal graft. Experimental model]

Renal transplant nephrectomy carries a high morbidity and mortality. Conceptually, graft removal by laparoscopy is a logical less invasive alternative. We have developed an experimental model for renal autotransplantation in the pig, with laparoscopic graft removal eight weeks following autotransplantation. Although the clinical indication for laparoscopic nephrectomy of a failed graft will provoke controversy, a nonfunctioning renal graft with intolerance and no rupture or infection late post-transplantation theoretically could be the indication for this procedure.