To evaluate the outcome and morbidity of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Between August 1991 and September 2001, 64 laparoscopic nephrectomies were carried out for the native kidneys of 62 patients with end-stage renal failure. The procedures were performed in preparation for renal transplantation. The indications were vesicoureteral reflux with persistent or recurrent urinary tract infection in 26 renal units, uncontrolled hypertension in 15, chronic pyelonephritis or hydronephrosis with urinary tract infection in 8, renal calculi in 13, heavy proteinuria in 1, and small renal tumor in 1. The left side was removed in 52 procedures and the right side was removed in 12. Forty-eight and 16 renal units were removed through the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approach, respectively.

Sixty procedures were successfully performed (94%). Four patients required open exploration (6%). Four major complications were recorded: pneumothorax in 1, large hematoma in 1, colonic injury in 1, and bleeding in 1. No mortality related to the procedures or their complications occurred. The patients received allograft transplantation shortly after the procedure, with a mean of 26 days. Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches were effectively used with satisfactory outcome.

Laparoscopy should be considered as the procedure of choice for pretransplant nephrectomy. The high success rate, low morbidity, early recovery, and short duration between nephrectomy and transplantation all are considered as real advantages for this patient population.