Laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with renal exclusion secondary to urolithiasis. Which factors can predispose conversion to open surgery?

Background: The prevalence of urolithiasis is 7-10% and has increased over the past years. Simple nephrectomy is, therefore, indicated when renal exclusion is associated with recurrent urinary tract infections and/or chronic pain.

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe the surgical experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy (LPN) due to urolithiasis in Mexican South-east and which factors can predispose conversion to open surgery.

Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients with renal exclusion secondary to urolithiasis, who underwent laparoscopic simple nephrectomy between 2016 and 2019.

Results: Forty simple LPN for renal exclusion due to urolithiasis was performed between 2016 and 2019. Mean age was 47 ± 10.8 and 82.5% were female. The mean BMI was 30.2 ± 5 kg/m2, mean operative time was 165.2 ± 64. Conversion rate was 12.5% (n = 5). Conversion was significantly associated with abnormal hilum vascular anatomy (p = 0.001), hilum adherences (p = 0.001), and hydronephrosis (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: LPN is a safe surgical technique for renal exclusion due to urolithiasis. Hydronephrosis, abnormal vascular anatomy, and the adherences that involved de hilum are the factors that could predictive conversion to open surgery.