Hand-assisted laparoscopy confers equal efficacy in simple and radical nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate outcomes for simple hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (HALSN).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed at our institution for all patients who had undergone HALSN from January 2002 to January 2009. Thirty-three patients underwent HALSN during this time period and were matched with 33 patients who underwent radical handassisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (HALRN).

RESULTS

Operative times were similar between both groups (301 vs 286 min for HALSN vs HALRN; P=.54). There were no intraoperative or postoperative transfusions in either group. There was one conversion to open nephrectomy in the HALSN group in a patient with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and no conversions in the HALRN group. The mean opioid equivalence requirement was not statistically different between both groups (110 vs 120 for HALSN vs HALRN, P=.70). Mean hospital stay was similar for patients undergoing HALSN and HALRN (5.0±3.8 days vs 4.0±1.2 days, P=.63). There was 1 major complication in the HALSN group (pulmonary embolus) and no major complications in the HALRN group. Rates of minor complications were comparable between the 2 groups (18% vs 24% for HALSN vs HALRN).

CONCLUSIONS

HALSN may be associated with similar operative times and length of postoperative hospital stay as well as comparable complication rates compared to HALRN.