Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for pyonephrotic kidneys.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for pyonephrotic kidneys.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

From July 2003 to December 2005, 67 patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for nonfunctioning pyonephrotic kidneys. The patients were assessed for operative time, blood loss, analgesic requirement, conversion rate, and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy could be accomplished in 58 patients (86.5%). The mean operative time and blood loss were 168 minutes and 101 mL, respectively. The mean postoperative analgesic requirement was 100 mg of diclofenac sodium. The mean hospital stay was 3.4 days.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy can be accomplished successfully and safely in the majority of patients with pyonephrosis and may be considered as the primary treatment. However, this is a difficult procedure, and experience in routine retroperitoneal nephrectomy is recommended prior to doing a case.