Between August 1992 and April 1993, 60 patients underwent laparoscopic
nephrectomy in our institution for benign disease (35 hydronephrosis,
20 chronic pyelonephritis, 4 end-stage kidney, 1 renal hypoplasia). C
onversion to open surgery was needed in six cases to overcome intraope
rative bleeding or perirenal adhesions. The mean operative time was 3.
5 +/- 1.3 hours, and the mean hospital stay was 3.2 +/- 2.1 days. No d
eaths occurred, but significant complications were encountered in four
cases in the form of pulmonary embolism, a large hematoma, postoperat
ive bleeding, and colonic perforation. Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a s
afe and effective alternative to open nephrectomy for benign renal con
ditions.