COMPARISON BETWEEN STANDARD FLANK VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY FORBENIGN RENAL-DISEASE

To evaluate the role of laparoscopic nephrectomy in the management of benign renal diseases, 12 patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy were compared to 13 undergoing a classical flank nephrectomy. Both gr oups were similar in regard to patient age and indications for surgery . The underlying pathological conditions included vesicoureteral reflu x, tuberculosis, hydronephrosis, hypertension and failed pyeloplasty. Overall, operative time ranged from 105 to 360 minutes (mean 145) for the laparoscopic group and 60 to 240 minutes (mean 156.6) for the open surgery group. Hospital stay and interval to return to regular preope rative activities were 2 to 6 days (mean 3.5) and 10 to 21 days (mean 16) for patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy, which was signif icantly shorter than for those undergoing a flank procedure, 3 to 16 d ays (mean 8) and 35 to 84 days (mean 32.3), respectively. Pain medicat ion requirements were also markedly decreased after laparoscopic nephr ectomy. Of the patients in the laparoscopic group 2 experienced compli cations with only 1 requiring conversion to open nephrectomy. The lapa roscopic technique is as effective as the flank approach for benign re nal conditions, while providing a more rapid recuperation and superior cosmetic result.