Simultaneous bilateral simple nephrectomy

Bilateral simultaneous nephrectomy is a rare procedure usually performed fo r end-stage renal disease, most often because of persistent hypertension af ter renal transplantation. Four trocars generally are inserted, with a lowe r abdominal and a subcostal port being used by the surgeon. An intra-abdomi nal pressure of 8 to 10 mm Hg is used during the procedure. The first kidne y is left in situ while the other one is being dissected. Unless there is i nfection or malignancy, a retrieval sac is not used. In our series of 13 ca ses, the operating times ranged from 240 to 390 minutes (mean 320 minutes), and the mean 125 mL. Surgical discharges criteria usually were met on post operative day 1 or 2, Laparoscopic bilateral nephrectomy in a single sessio n is feasible in nearly all properly selected cases, even in patients with previous abdominal surgery or peritoneal dialysis, The operation takes long er than open surgery and may have a higher complication rate, but recovery is faster.