Retroperitoneal Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Radical Nephrectomy Using a Low-cost, Self-Made Device

Objectives. To introduce a low-cost, self-made device for single-port retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and to evaluate outcomes compared with conventional laparoscopy after initial experience using this device. Methods. Twenty-nine renal cancer patients underwent retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy using a self-made single-port device with multiple manipulation channels for passage of routine laparoscopic instruments and specimen removal. A control group of 29 patients who were matched by age, gender, and cancer stage underwent conventional laparoscopy. Outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results. There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, T stage, and maximum tumor diameter between groups ( P > .05). The laparoendoscopic single-site surgery group had a significantly shorter duration of postoperative hospitalization than the conventional laparoscopy group (7.14 ± 1.38 days vs 8.17 ± 1.54 days, P = .009). Conclusions. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy using our self-made single-port device appears to be a feasible, safe, and low-cost surgical strategy.