A 3 trocar technique for transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy

Purpose: Additional trocars and retractor instruments may enhance the risk of iatrogenic injuries during laparoscopic nephrectomy, We describe a modified technique of laparoscopic nephrectomy requiring only 3 ports of entry and no extra instruments instead of the 5 ports, 2 of which are used for retractors, usually required. Materials and Methods: With the patient in full flank position a 10 mm. trocar is inserted between the umbilicus and subcostal margin, a 5 mm. trocar is placed subcostal in the midclavicular line and a 12 mm. trocar is inserted over the iliac crest in the anterior axillary line. The first step is incision of the line of Toldt, and medial reflection of the colon. During the second step of vascular controls the posterosuperior attachments of the kidney are left untouched, keeping the renal vessels stretched, with no need for an extra instrument. The third step consists of severing the remaining posterior and superior attachments of the kidney followed by specimen retrieval. A total of 14 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy with this technique. Results: All 14 procedures were completed without an additional port. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, except 1 abdominal wall hematoma. Mean operating time was 120 minutes (range 70 to 230) and mean hospital stay was 5 days (range 3 to 7). Conclusions: Transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy with laparoscopic access limited to 3 trocars is a reliable and safe technique.