Biomedical subjects

Maxwell V Meng

Publications and source records attributed to Maxwell V Meng.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy: a large single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic procurement of right donor kidneys is frequently avoided or performed using hand-assist devices because of concerns regarding donor safety, adequate exposure, and vessel length. The present study describes the authors' large series of right donor nephrectomies performed laparoscopically without the use of hand ports or other manual assist devices. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed all right laparoscopic donor nephrectomies performed at their center from November 1, 1999, to February 20, 2004. Study variables included operative times, blood loss, hospital stay, graft function, and donor and recipient complications. Left donor nephrectomies performed during the same period served as controls. RESULTS: Of 387 laparoscopic kidney procurements, 54 (14 %) were right nephrectomies. Blood loss, extraction times, length of stay, and overall complication rates were similar between right and left donor groups. The mean operative time in the right nephrectomy group was significantly shorter than in the left nephrectomy group (169 +/- 25 and 186 +/- 29 min, respectively; P = 0.003). Graft function 1 month after transplantation and the incidence of delayed graft function were similar in both groups. There was one graft loss caused by thrombosis in the left nephrectomy group; other graft-related complications in the recipients were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This large single-center experience demonstrates that laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy performed without hand-assist devices is safe and yields kidneys with excellent function. The authors conclude that selection of the appropriate kidney for donation using this approach can be based on the same criteria that have traditionally governed open donor nephrectomy.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The changing face of low-risk prostate cancer: trends in clinical presentation and primary management.

PURPOSE: Early intervention for prostate cancer is associated with excellent long-term survival, but many affected men, especially those with low-risk disease characteristics, might not experience adverse impact to survival or quality of life were treatment deferred. We sought to characterize temporal trends in clinical presentation and primary disease management among patients with low-risk prostate cancer. METHODS: Data were abstracted from the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE), a disease registry of 8,685 men with various stages of prostate cancer. Included were 2,078 men who were diagnosed between 1989 and 2001 and had a serum prostate specific antigen </= 10 ng/mL, Gleason sum </= 6, and clinical T stage </= 2a. Trends in risk distribution, tumor characteristics, and primary treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with low-risk tumor characteristics rose from 29.8% in 1989 to 1992, to 45.3% in 1999 to 2001 (P <.0001). There have been sharp increases in the use of brachytherapy and androgen deprivation monotherapy, from 3.1% and 3.1%, to 12.0% and 21.7%, respectively. Utilization rates for prostatectomy, external-beam radiotherapy, and observation have fallen accordingly, from 63.8%, 16.1%, and 13.8%, to 51.6%, 6.8%, and 7.9% (P <.0001 for all except prostatectomy [P =.0019]). Age and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with treatment selection, but overall, the treatment trends were echoed on subgroup analysis of patients 75 years or older. CONCLUSION: Low-risk features characterize a growing proportion of prostate cancer patients, and there have been significant shifts in the management of low-risk disease. Overtreatment may be a growing problem, especially among older patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Spatial ability, experience, and skill in laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Previous research showing correlations between spatial ability and surgical skills has used participants in relatively early stages of training. Research in skill acquisition has shown that the role of cognitive abilities can diminish as skills become increasingly automatic. In this study, we explored the role of spatial ability in laparoscopic surgical skills in two groups, one experienced and the other relatively inexperienced. METHODS: Subjects were recruited from two videoscopic courses: an advanced course for experienced surgeons and a laparoscopic urological surgery course attended by participants with relatively little laparoscopic experience. Three measures were obtained: spatial abilities, videoscopic experience, and operative skills. RESULTS: A significant correlation (r = 0.393) was found between spatial ability and skills in the lower experience group but not among the experienced surgeons (r = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with the prediction that the importance of spatial ability in performance of laparoscopic skills should diminish with experience.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with temporary arterial occlusion: description of technique and renal functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To report our laparoscopic partial nephrectomy experience and the impact of temporary arterial occlusion during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy on postoperative renal function. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is increasingly popular but remains technically challenging. METHODS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 27 patients, with arterial occlusion in 15 cases. Postoperative renal function was evaluated with serum creatinine in all patients and postoperative technetium-99m mercaptoacetyl triglycine renal scans in a subset of patients after arterial occlusion. RESULTS: The group with arterial occlusion (n = 15) did not differ from those without arterial occlusion (n = 12) with respect to age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, lesion size, operative time, blood loss, or complications. In patients undergoing arterial occlusion, the mean warm ischemia time was 43 +/- 10 minutes (range 25 to 65). The preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine levels were unchanged in patients with (1.07 +/- 0.4 to 1.15 +/- 0.4 ng/dL; P = 0.24) and without (0.96 +/- 0.22 to 1.07 +/- 0.27 ng/dL; P = 0.14) arterial occlusion. The tumor size on imaging correlated with postoperative serum creatinine (r2 = 0.450, P = 0.04). Nuclear renography was performed in 9 patients (60%) after renal artery occlusion. The mean differential renal function of the operated kidney (49%) was similar to that of the contralateral kidney (51%) and was not associated with warm ischemic time or tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary arterial occlusion during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy does not appear to affect short-term renal function adversely. We believe that this technique can be safely performed when significant bleeding or entry into the collecting system is anticipated. Additional study is warranted to identify the maximal time of warm ischemia and ways to reduce potential renal injury.

Adenoma, Oxyphilic↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for pediatric recipients: outcomes analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To present our outcomes of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for pediatric recipients. Laparoscopic nephrectomy has become the technique of choice for live donor nephrectomy. However, limited data are available regarding the role of this technique for pediatric recipients, who may pose special challenges and considerations, and whose parents need additional information. METHODS: Since November 1999, we have performed laparoscopic nephrectomy in more than 300 consecutive patients for live donor transplantation. Of these, 20 cases were identified that involved a recipient younger than 18 years of age. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were reviewed to analyze the outcomes of these specific cases. The data were compared with a similar group of pediatric recipients receiving kidneys procured using the traditional open technique. RESULTS: The mean donor and recipient age was 40 years (range 26 to 52) and 13 years (range 1.7 to 18), respectively, and 19 cases (95%) involved the left kidney. The mean donor and recipient operative time was 3.3 hours (range 2.5 to 5.2) and 3.9 hours (range 2.4 to 5.1), respectively. The warm and anastomotic time averaged 4 minutes (range 2 to 8) and 30 minutes (range 16 to 41), respectively. Nineteen of the grafts functioned immediately, with a mean creatinine at 24 hours of 2.0 mg/dL (range 0.3 to 6.0). At last follow-up (mean 13.6 months), the mean creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL. Ureteral stricture requiring stent placement occurred in 2 patients (10%). No statistically significant differences were noted in operative parameters, complications, or renal function compared with a contemporary cohort of 26 pediatric patients receiving organs obtained by open donor nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our early experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for pediatric recipients confirmed that the technique provides quality organs with excellent function. The method yields outcomes comparable to those after traditional open donor nephrectomy and does not require modifications for the recipient operation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic-assisted upper pole ureterocalicostomy using renal inversion and autotransplantation.

Despite various described methods of reconstruction after upper ureteral injury, many cases are complex and remain a surgical challenge. Careful preoperative evaluation and planning are crucial in the selection of the appropriate procedure, particularly in patients in whom preservation of the renal mass is imperative. We report a case of severe upper ureteral injury and subsequent fibrosis, with no usable renal pelvis and focal upper pole dilation, that was managed with renal inversion and upper pole ureterocalicostomy. The option of autotransplantation was provided by laparoscopic nephrectomy and ex vivo reconstruction, minimizing patient morbidity and maximizing a successful outcome. This case illustrates the expansion of laparoscopy from the mere extirpative to a role in complex reconstruction. To our knowledge, this reconstructive strategy has never been previously reported and may be applicable in a limited number of situations.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed2004

Evaluation of the patient with hematuria.

There is little controversy regarding whether gross or visible hematuria requires complete upper and lower urinary tract evaluation. With regard to microscopic hematuria, investigators have disagreed on precisely which patients require a complete work-up. Most agree that older patients (> 40 years), patients with a history of cigarette use, and those with occupational exposure or history of chronic phenacetin use should absolutely undergo upper tract imaging, cystourethroscopy, and cytologic examination of the urine in addition to a thorough history and physical examination. A multidisciplinary group of oncologists, radiologists, urologists, and internists has published its recommendations as part of the American Urological Association best practice policy. The formal guidelines, which were distributed, rereviewed, and modified following a nationwide survey of clinicians, recommend complete urologic evaluation for all patients with microscopic hematuria who are over 40 years of age, and younger patients with a history suspicious for urologic disease. This identifies those at highest risk for malignancy while minimizing the number of evaluations in patients unlikely harboring significant disease.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Pure laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy: step-by-step approach.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Debate surrounds laparoscopic kidney procurement for right donor nephrectomy. We detail our pure laparoscopic technique of right kidney retrieval. TECHNIQUE: We use a four-port transperitoneal approach and extract the kidney through a low Pfannenstiel incision. Important elements include: (1) dividing the triangular ligament; (2) identifying the vena cava early; (3) minimizing ureteral dissection; (4) mobilizing the kidney within Gerota's fascia; (5) dissecting the renal artery behind the vena cava; (6) cutting the extraction incision to the peritoneum; (7) applying a Hem-o-Lok and single metal clip on the artery; (8) placing the Endo-TA stapler on the renal vein adjacent to the vena cava; (9) cutting the vessels without clips/staples on the kidney side; and (10) retrieving the kidney manually. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This is a reliable method of right pure laparoscopic donor nephrectomy that maximizes donor benefit and cost-effectiveness. Right laparoscopic nephrectomy is likely easier with this technique and should not be avoided if it is the preferred kidney for transplantation.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Treatment and outcome of invasive bladder cancer in patients after renal transplantation.

PURPOSE: Optimal management and clinical outcome of bladder cancer in renal transplant recipients are not well-defined. We analyzed single institution treatment strategies and outcomes of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the University of California, San Francisco transplant database which contains information on 6,288 renal transplants performed between 1964 and 2002. The United Network for Organ Sharing database and Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry were also queried to characterize the global nature of bladder cancer in renal transplant recipients. RESULTS: The United Network for Organ Sharing database (1986 to 2001) contained information on 31 patients who were found to have bladder cancer (0.024% prevalence) and the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry (1967 to 2001) contained information on 135 patients representing 0.84% of all reported malignancies. We identified 7 renal transplant recipients with bladder cancer at our institution. Invasive transitional cell carcinoma developed in 5 patients at a median of 2.8 years after transplant. Three patients underwent uncomplicated radical cystectomy and preservation of the renal allograft. Overall survival at 48 months was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder cancer after renal transplantation is not common. For patients who present with invasive disease, traditional extirpative surgery should be considered. Moreover, the allograft is rarely the source of transitional cell carcinoma and can be preserved. In our experience the cancer and urinary outcomes compare favorably with nontransplant patient outcomes after treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The primary stone event: a new hypothesis involving a vascular etiology.

PURPOSE: We detail a new hypothesis regarding a vascular phenomenon as the primary event in the formation of urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A complete MEDLINE search was performed to examine the existing literature regarding the etiology of nephrolithiasis. In addition, urinary calculi were retrieved from 11 patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy and analyzed for total and esterified cholesterol content. RESULTS: A review of the literature on stone disease revealed many factors inconsistent with the current paradigm of the initiation of nephrolithiasis. These arguments can be based and classified on epidemiological, clinical, physiological, anatomical, and molecular data. In our stone analysis free and esterified cholesterol were found in varying quantities between 0.058 and 2.258 microg/mg stone and 0.012 and 0.777 microg/mg stone, respectively. Esterified cholesterol was found to comprise 75% of total serum cholesterol. In urinary stones esterified cholesterol accounted for 14% to 16% of total cholesterol and the esterified-to-free cholesterol ratio appeared to be related to stone composition. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous inconsistencies exist between current theories of the initial event in nephrolithiasis formation and empirical observational data on stone disease. Our review of the literature and our study of the cholesterol content of renal stones support a new theory regarding the initial stone forming event. We base this novel hypothesis on multiple epidemiological, physiological, anatomical and clinical observations. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis and its clinical usefulness.

Cholesterol↗

PubMed2004

Technique, indications and outcomes of pure laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic nephrectomy for living renal transplantation has emerged as the gold standard. Nevertheless, experience with this technique for procuring right kidneys is limited. We report our single institution results of pure laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was initiated at the our institution in November 1999. Patient selection was initially limited to the left kidney but right surgery was started 2 years later after 97 operations had been performed. We prospectively acquired data on the donor and recipient, and specifically analyzed outcomes of the right kidneys. RESULTS: In a 40-month period 300 laparoscopic donor operations were performed. Overall 44 procedures (15%) were on the right side with the fraction greater (22%) after removing exclusion of the right kidney from laparoscopic selection criteria. In this cohort mean operative time was 170 minutes, significantly less than the 190 minutes for 50 contemporaneous left kidneys (p = 0.001). No case of right donor nephrectomy required open conversion and vessels were of adequate length. Donor and recipient complications were similar in the 2 groups without technical graft loss in the entire series. CONCLUSIONS: Our method of laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy yields excellent graft quality with adequate vascular length and without the need for elaborate modifications or hand assistance. Moreover, the right operation is technically easier and it achieved comparable donor morbidity and recipient renal function. With sufficient experience the right kidney should be procured laparoscopically when indicated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Validation of the Kattan preoperative nomogram for prostate cancer recurrence using a community based cohort: results from cancer of the prostate strategic urological research endeavor (capsure).

PURPOSE: The Kattan preoperative nomogram combines preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA), biopsy Gleason grade and clinical stage to estimate disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Several studies using patient data from academic centers have validated the nomogram. We assessed the performance of the Kattan nomogram using the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor database, a national, largely community based observational disease registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor database we identified 1701 men with clinically localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy with sufficient pretreatment information and PSA followup after surgery. Disease recurrence was defined as 2 consecutive PSA values 0.2 ng/ml or greater, or a second cancer treatment more than 6 months after prostatectomy. A concordance index was used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram compared to observed 5-year recurrence-free survival (Kaplan-Meier). Kattan nomogram scores were calculated for each patient and stratified into 6 groups for analysis. RESULTS: In our cohort of 1701 men 413 (24%) had evidence of disease recurrence. Median followup in these patients was 2.3 years. Kattan nomogram scores were 17% to 99% (mean 79%). The overall concordance index was 0.68. Varying the definition of recurrent disease and excluding patients with imputed data did not substantially alter nomogram performance (concordance index 0.65 to 0.70). The Kattan nomogram tended to overestimate 5-year freedom from recurrence in patients with scores of 65% and higher. CONCLUSIONS: We noted the reasonable performance of the Kattan nomogram for predicting cancer outcomes after radical prostatectomy using a community based population. Although concordance is lower than in previous validation studies and the nomogram overestimates recurrence-free survival in patients at lower risk, the model is fairly robust and it provides important information when counseling patients regarding treatment options in the community setting. Further refinements in pretreatment estimation of disease-free survival and ultimately overall survival are needed.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic nephrectomy, ex vivo excision and autotransplantation for complex renal tumors.

PURPOSE: In many patients partial nephrectomy is the preferred alternative to radical nephrectomy for upper urinary tract cancers. We describe the use of laparoscopic nephrectomy, ex vivo excision and reconstruction, and autotransplantation to expand the realm of minimally invasive, nephron sparing surgery to the most complex renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our cohort undergoing renal surgery 2 patients had a solitary kidney with renal tumors not considered amenable to in situ partial nephrectomy. After transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy ex vivo tumor excision and renorrhaphy were performed. The kidney was transplanted to the ipsilateral iliac vessels through the Gibson extraction incision. RESULTS: Indications for surgery were high grade urothelial carcinoma within a caliceal diverticulum and a central 5 cm renal cell carcinoma. Mean nephrectomy, cold ischemic and transplantation times were 4.5, 2 and 3.7 hours, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Hospitalization was 12 and 6 days, respectively. At 20 and 12 months of followup each patient remained off dialysis without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite experience with conventional nephron sparing surgery some cases may be more appropriate for ex vivo excision and reconstruction. In these situations the minimally invasive approach provides a kidney suitable for renal autotransplantation, while simultaneously decreasing patient morbidity. This novel approach to complex renal tumors is feasible when one applies principles of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and possesses experience with renal transplantation.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Differences in complications and outcomes for obese patients undergoing laparoscopic radical, partial or simple nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Obesity has increased dramatically in American society during the last 2 decades. While the laparoscopic approach is common for patients requiring radical and partial nephrectomy, it is unclear if this procedure leads to worse outcomes and complications in obese patients. We determined if obese patients undergoing laparoscopic radical (RN), partial (PN) and simple (SN) nephrectomy are at risk for worse surgical outcomes or increased complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients treated with nontransplant transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies from 1998 to 2003. Patients with missing body mass index (BMI), operative, postoperative or pathological information were excluded from study. Obese patients (BMI 30 or greater) were compared to nonobese patients (BMI less than 30). RESULTS: A total of 189 patients undergoing 117 RN, 44 PN and 30 SNs met study criteria, and 29.0% of patients were obese. Overall obese patients had longer operative times (280 versus 241 minutes, p = 0.003), greater estimated surgical blood loss (230 versus 109 ml, p = 0.0001) and higher transfusion rates (6.8% versus 0.8%, p = 0.032) than nonobese patients. In subgroup analyses obese patients receiving RN and PN had longer operative times and increased blood loss. Obese and nonobese patients have similar open conversion rates, analgesic requirements, hospital stay, time to oral intake, and major and minor complication rates regardless of nephrectomy type. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is associated with slightly greater operative time, estimated blood loss and transfusion rates in obese patients. Laparoscopic RN, PN and SN are safe and well tolerated in obese patients. Obesity is not a contraindication to laparoscopic renal surgery.

Female↗

PubMed2004

Precaval right renal arteries: prevalence and morphologic associations at spiral CT.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and morphologic associations of precaval right renal arteries at spiral computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 186 arterial phase contrast material-enhanced spiral CT scans of the abdomen (5.0-mm section thickness in 97 scans, 2.5 mm in 89 scans) obtained during a 2-year period to identify patients with precaval right renal arteries. During routine interpretation of CT scans at daily readout, the authors prospectively identified 39 additional patients with precaval right renal arteries. All cases were evaluated for anatomic variants and associated clinical findings. Fisher exact analysis and chi2 analysis were performed to compare the frequency of anatomic variants between patients with and those without precaval renal arteries. RESULTS: Nine of 186 patients had precaval right renal arteries, for a prevalence of 5%. In the 48 patients with precaval renal arteries, 52 precaval arteries were found, of which 48 were accessory and four were dominant. Fourteen patients had right pelviectasis to the level of the precaval artery, and three of these had a clinical diagnosis of right ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Eighteen (35%) of the 52 precaval renal arteries arose from the anterior aspect of the aorta (within 30 degrees of the midline). The lower pole of the right kidney was rotated anteriorly in two (22%) of nine and 13 (33%) of 39 patients with precaval renal arteries in the retrospective and prospective groups, respectively, compared with four (2%) of 177 patients without precaval arteries (P <.05 and P <.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: On the basis of these results, precaval right renal arteries appear to be more common than previously reported. Anterior rotation of the lower pole of the right kidney should prompt a search for precaval renal arteries.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Symptomatic perirenal serous cysts of müllerian origin mimicking renal cysts on CT.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe the clinical presentation, CT appearance, and management of a series of symptomatic perirenal serous cysts of müllerian origin, confirmed by laparoscopic resection. CONCLUSION: Perirenal serous cysts of müllerian origin are uncommon lesions that may present as large symptomatic perirenal cystic masses mimicking exophytic renal cysts on CT. Serous cyst of müllerian origin should be considered in the differential diagnosis when CT reveals a large solitary perirenal cyst in a woman with flank or abdominal pain or both. Laparoscopic resection may be an effective treatment of such cysts.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Cytology of morcellated renal specimens: significance in diagnosis and dissemination.

PURPOSE: Controversy surrounds the process of morcellation for retrieving laparoscopically removed specimens. The inability to assess tumor stage, increased difficulty in pathological examination and the potential for tumor spillage are cited as significant disadvantages of the technique. We examined cytological findings in bag washings after laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign and malignant diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively obtained cytology washings from the retrieval bag after laparoscopic nephrectomy and manual morcellation. In 22 consecutive cases after specimen fragmentation in a LapSac (Cook Urological, Spencer, Indiana) the bag was thoroughly irrigated with 30 cc normal saline. This wash was then processed by ThinPrep (Cytyc Corp., Marlborough, Massachusetts) and stained with Papanicolaou stain. Standard pathological examination of the morcellated specimen was performed to determine renal histology. RESULTS: The histological diagnosis was clear cell renal carcinoma in 10 cases, multicystic renal carcinoma in 2, papillary renal cell carcinoma in 1, angiomyolipoma in 1, and oncocytoma in 1. Bag cytological results were accurate in 9 of 13 patients with carcinoma (69%), while in 3 cytological study provided additional information. In all 9 cases of benign histology, cytological findings were consistent with benign cellular features. Neoplastic cells were easily detected and classified into type and grade. CONCLUSIONS: Cytological examination of LapSac washings after specimen morcellation provided a pathological diagnosis in the majority of patients. This method may complement existing techniques and be useful for increasing the accuracy of pathological analysis of morcellated specimens. In addition, these data suggest that malignant cells are liberated during the morcellation process, which has significant implications for potential tumor dissemination.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Techniques to optimize vascular control during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for kidney transplantation and describe our technique of vessel ligation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the method of renal artery and vein control during the 97 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies performed at the University of California, San Francisco, since November 1999. In addition, we examined both donor and recipient outcomes after nephrectomy and transplantation in this cohort. RESULTS: Currently, we ligate the renal artery and renal vein using a single Hem-o-lok polymer clip and a single Endo-TA stapler, respectively, and divide the vessels using scissors without securing the graft-side vessels. In contrast to using the Endo-GIA stapler, there is no need to trim staples (approximately 5 mm) from the vessels before anastomosis. Excellent vessel length was achieved in all cases without donor complications, and 99% of recipients had long-term graft function. The only major complications (blood transfusion, conversion to open surgery) occurred early in the series when we used the Endo-GIA stapler to control the vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Although adequate vessel length is typically obtained during left donor nephrectomy, additional length can be achieved using our modification. This may facilitate right donor nephrectomy and help reduce complications, potentially increasing the recovery of right kidneys for transplantation. In addition, performing vessel ligation and division in separate steps is simple, does not change ischemic time, and appears to increase safety.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗