Objectives. To summarize the results of our 31 consecutive laparoscopic nephrectomies for renal tuberculosis and compare them with 45 laparoscopic nephrectomies performed for other benign etiologies. We previously reported our initial successful experiences in expanding the role of laparoscopic surgery with the introduction of laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal tuberculosis.

Methods. Thirty-one laparoscopic nephrectomies for renal tuberculosis were performed between June 1996 and December 2001. The patients consisted of 11 men and 20 women with a mean age of 44.2 years (range 29 to 64). The control group consisted of 17 men and 28 women with a mean age of 48.6 years (range 17 to 60). The two groups were comparable with regard to demographic data. Statistical analyses were used to compare the two groups in terms of various parameters, including surgical time, blood loss, analgesic requirements, resumption of oral intake, and hospital stay.

Results. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was successful in 30 cases of the tuberculosis group and 44 cases of the control group. The two groups showed comparable perioperative and postoperative parameters, except for mean operative time, which, at 244 minutes for the tuberculosis group, was significantly greater than the 216 minutes for the control group (P <0.05). No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in either group.

Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal tuberculosis is a safe, effective, and less invasive treatment modality. Therefore, we suggest that the renal tuberculous nonfunctioning kidney should be approached initially using the laparoscopic approach.