Early comparison of nephrectomy options in children (open, transperitoneal laparoscopic, laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS), and robotic surgery)

OBJECTIVE To compare the perioperative parameters of paediatric patients who underwent nephrectomy via laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery (also known as single incision laparoscopic surgery or SILS) with those who underwent nephrectomy via conventional laparoscopy (LAP), robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RALN), and open surgery (OPEN). PATIENTS AND METHODS The medical records of 69 paediatric patients at a single institution who underwent nephrectomies for non-functioning kidneys in 72 renal units (39 OPEN, 11 LAP, 11 RALN and 11 LESS) were reviewed for patient demographics and perioperative clinical parameters. RESULTS The minimally invasive modalities in children, including LESS nephrectomy, were associated with shorter lengths of hospital stay (P < 0.001) and decreased postoperative pain medication usage (P < 0.001) than with open surgery. Similar surgical times were noted with LESS and the other minimally invasive modalities (LAP and RALN) (P= 0.056). However, the minimally invasive modalities (LESS, LAP and RALN) were associated with slightly longer surgical times when compared with open surgery (P < 0.001), which may, in part, be secondary to learning curve factors. No differences were noted among the minimally invasive modalities for postoperative pain medication usage (P= 0.354) and length of hospital stay (P= 0.86). CONCLUSIONS The minimally invasive modalities for nephrectomy in children, including LESS nephrectomy, are associated with shorter lengths of hospital stay and decreased postoperative pain medication use when compared with open surgery. LESS nephrectomy in children is associated with similar surgical times, lengths of hospital stay and postoperative pain medication use as the other minimally invasive modalities (LAP and RALN). Slightly longer surgical times are noted with the minimally invasive modalities, including LESS nephrectomy, when compared with open surgery, which may, in part, be secondary to learning curve factors.