Outcome of open and laparoscopic nephrectomies in a county hospital--centralization
Lund, L.; Jønler, M.; Bisballe, Søren.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 169(7): 602-604
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 17311755 Document Number: 606551
The results of conventional open and laparoscopic nephrectomy in a six-year period from a county hospital are presented. In the period June 1st 1995 to June 2nd 2005, a total of 123 nephrectomies were performed. One hundred and five patients had cancer of whom 85 were operated (46 by laparoscopy and 39 by open surgery). Thirty-eight patients were operated due to a benign disease e.g. non-functional kidney, stone disease etc. There were 105 patients (54 men, 51 women) with cancer and 85 were operated. The hospital stay was seven days (2-29) for open surgery. The need for transfusion was 0 units (0-8 units). In 55% of the cases the operation was performed by a senior registrar. Crude survival was 60%. Overall mortality was 1.6% (2 patients). It is concluded that nephrectomy, both conventional open and laparoscopical, can safely be performed at a county hospital in terms of surgery, hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. If it is technically feasible one should offer the patient laparoscopic treatment. The operation has a high educational value for surgeons in urological training.