Laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign and inflammatory conditions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign renal conditions associated with dense perinephric inflammation, such as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN), pyonephrosis, tuberculous pyelonephritis, and calculus pyelonephritis, and compare outcomes with a matched group of patients undergoing open nephrectomy for similar indications. An additional objective was to evaluate factors predictive of complications and open conversions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 84 patients with benign inflammatory diseases who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy and compared the data with data from 94 matched patients undergoing open nephrectomy. Both groups were compared with regard to operative time, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, analgesia requirement, blood transfusion, and hospital stay. Univariate analysis assessed the predictive value of factors such as kidney size, presence of hilar lymphadenopathy, perinephric and perihilar adhesion, laterality and body mass index on complications and risk of open conversion.

RESULTS: Mean operative time was 170 +/- 59.8 and 148 +/- 42.5 minutes, blood loss was 156.2 +/- 6.8 and 154.6 +/- 68.8 mL, analgesia requirement was 165 +/- 71.2 and 284 +/- 81 g diclofenac sodium, and average hospital stay was 4.34 +/- 0.8 and 8.07 +/- 1.8 days in the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. Abnormal renal hilum (71%) and perihilar adhesions (86%) were common findings in patients with XGPN, whereas abnormal hilum and hilar lymphadenopathy (55%) were commonly seen in those with tuberculosis. The renal hilum was relatively unaffected in patients with pyonephrosis and calculus pyelonephritis. Pleural entry was more common (P < 0.0001) in the open group, and visceral injury was more common in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.04). Blood transfusion was necessary in 7% and 11% of patients in the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. Open conversion was required in 8 cases (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease-3, pyonephrosis, 2, XGPN and calculus pyelonephritis, 3). Intestinal obstruction that required laparotomy and adhesinolysis developed in one patient in the laparoscopic group.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy can be performed safely in most patients with benign inflammatory conditions that require surgical extirpation. Proper patient selection and technical modifications may help reduce morbidity. One should keep a low threshold for laparoscopic-assisted open conversion whenever necessary.