A Clinical Comparative Analysis of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Tuberculous Nephrectomy and Open Tuberculous Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic tuberculous nephrectomy (RLTN) and open tuberculous nephrectomy (OTN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight patients treated with RLTN were enrolled in the RLTN group. One hundred patients treated with OTN were enrolled in the control group. Surgical parameters and postoperative conditions were recorded to assess the effect of the operation, and complications were recorded throughout the follow-up time. The follow-up time was 2-72 months.

RESULTS: Eight cases in the RLTN group were moved to the OTN group due to intraoperative bleeding. There were significant differences in the diameter of the incision between the 2 groups (P < .01). The resumed time and length of hospitalization in the RLTN group were significantly shorter than those in the OTN group (P < .05). During surgery, 6 cases (3.79%) in the RLTN group presented pus overflow due to a rupture of the empyema space. The same happened to 3 cases (3.00%) in the OTN group. After surgery, there was 1 case of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in the RLTN group. There was no tuberculous sinus or systemic disseminated TB during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment approaches were safe and effective, but RLTN presented more advantages. Therefore, RLTN can be used as a first-line method for tuberculous nephrectomy.