Single Stapler Technique in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings 2011-04, Vol.43 (3), p.787-790
• Main Authors: Genc, V, Orozakunov, E, Ozgencil, E, Can, O.S, Yilmaz, A.A, Cipe, G, Ozsay, O, Ustuner, E, Oray, S, Oztuna, D, Cakmak, A, Tuzuner, A, Hazinedaroglu, S.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Digestive system. Abdomen; Endoscopy; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Kidney Transplantation - methods; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nephrectomy - methods; Surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the urinary system; Tissue Donors; Tissue, organ and graft immunology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2011.01.098

Abstract Background Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is usually performed with at least 2 separate vascular staplers for division of the renal artery and vein. However, we used a single stapler regardless of the number of renal arteries and veins. Furthermore, the graft was quickly retrieved by hand without using an extraction bag using our technique. Herein we have presented our experience with LDN of grafts with single or multiple renal arteries and/or veins using a single stapler and hand removal. Methods We reviewed demographic data, operative and warm ischemia times, postoperative complications, and graft function. Results Between December 2005 and September 2009, we performed 85 cases with 1 renal artery (group LDN-1), 8 cases with two renal arteries (group LDN-2), and 5 cases with 3 or more renal arteries (group LDN-3). The demographic data among the groups were similar. The mean operative time was significantly longer among groups LDN-2 (100.3 ± 9.5 minutes) and LDN-3 (120.6 ± 10.3 minutes) compared with LDN-1 (76.1 ± 9.3 minutes; P < .001). Similar results were observed with respect to warm ischemia times. There were no significant differences related to graft function and outcomes among these groups. Conclusion The single stapler and hand removal technique was safe, technically feasible, and cost effective regardless of the number of renal arteries and veins. This technique removes the necessity of additional staplers and extraction bags, lowers the operative and warm ischemia times, and thus decreases the cost.