[Experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy].

Laparoscopic procedures are promising techniques which allow less invasive surgery not only for intra-abdominal organs but also for retroperitoneal organs. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was first described by Clayman et al. We removed the left kidney of a 36-year-old male patient using laparoscopic procedures according to Clayman's technique. The kidney had developed hydronephrosis due to congenital ureteropelvic junction stenosis. In the peritoneal cavity the freed kidney was pushed into a Lapsac, minced using scissors and forceps, and removed without elongation of the wound. During the operation, pneumoperitoneum with CO2 gas induced increases in PaCO2, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure and cardiac output, all of which the patient tolerated well. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 9th postoperative day. Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a useful alternative to the conventional open surgery in selected cases, when surgical techniques and instruments are improved appropriately.