To compare the results of transperitoneal laparoscopic vs retroperitoneoscopic simple nephrectomy for benign renal diseases in a prospective randomized design.

In this study between January 2009 and August 2013, 31 patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy and 31 retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy after randomization. The 2 groups were compared for the visual pain score on the first and second postoperative days as the primary end point of the study. Complications were recorded and graded using Dindo-modified Clavien classification of surgical complications. Secondary objectives were to compare each of the operative techniques in terms of duration of surgery, complication rates, and postoperative convalescence. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 16.0 with P <.05 considered statistically significant.

The difference in the visual pain score (4.9 vs 2.7 on day 1; 3.2 vs 1.1 on day 2) and the tramadol requirements (167.3 vs 132.8 mg) were statistically significant and more in the transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. The hospital stay and convalescence were significantly lower in retroperitoneoscopic group. Three patients in transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy group and 2 patients in retroperitoneoscopic group required conversion. Mean time to normal activities was significantly less in retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy group (16.7 ± 3.5 vs 9.34 ± 4.9 days; P = .0001).

Although both transperitoneal laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic simple nephrectomy are feasible options for nonfunctioning kidneys due to benign renal diseases in adults, retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy is associated with significantly less pain, less analgesic requirement, shorter hospital stay, and short convalescence as compared with transperitoneal laparoscopic approach.