Outcomes and surgical complications following living-donor renal transplantation using kidneys retrieved with trans-peritoneal or retro-peritoneal hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy

Living donor transplant: Right vs left kidney

Khan et al’ single-centre, retrospective study on the use of right or left kidneys in living-donor renal transplantation, offers the opportunity to further discuss a complex and debated topic in clinical transplantation. In brief, the authors confirm that, despite the historical preference for left kidneys, attributed to their anatomical advantages during donor nephrectomy and recipient transplantation, right kidneys can provide excellent outcomes when donors and recipients are carefully selected, and a meticulous surgical technique is applied in every step of the process. Usefully, the article includes some practical tips to help less experienced surgeons address the technical challenges of right kidney transplantation, such as extended renal vein dissection or full mobilization of the iliac vein of the recipient to minimize tension during anastomosis. Although limited by the selective use of minimally invasive (MI) nephrectomy for left kidneys, this work underscores the importance of expanding the living-donor pool, challenging the traditional taboos, and facilitating access to transplantation for a wider population of patients around the globe. Properly designed studies with larger sample size, comparable MI surgical techniques, prospective data collection, and long-term donor and recipient outcomes are warranted.

Clip or staple in laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy? A systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Ligation of the renal pedicle is a crucial step in laparoscopic renal harvesting. Currently, two devices are widely used: Hem-o-Lok® clips and staplers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases with no time restrictions. Registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023460585), the study's primary outcome measures include the failure rate of the ligation tool, conversion to open surgery, rate of severe bleeding, and device-related death. Other secondary variables are also explored. An assessment of the quality of included comparative studies was performed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

RESULTS

Out of 393 articles identified using our keywords, 32 were included. Overall, clips have a lower failure rate during application, elongate graft vessel length, and are more cost-effective. Staples are associated with a shorter warm ischemia time and lower blood loss. There is no significant difference between the two devices in terms of conversion, severe bleeding, death, and blood transfusion.

CONCLUSION

There is no perfect modality for renal pedicle control during laparoscopic harvesting, as each instrument has its pros and cons. Hem-o-Lok® clips are a safe and cost-effective option, particularly suitable for right-sided harvesting or in cases of vascular variations. However, they are still associated with a risk of secondary displacement with potentially serious consequences. Certain technical tricks can mitigate this risk.

Hand port-site infection after hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for living-donor kidney transplantation: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) is widely performed to minimize burden on living kidney donors. However, hand port-site infections after HALDN may occur. This study aimed to assess the impact of donor characteristics including preoperative comorbidities and operative factors on hand port-site infection after HALDN.

Methods

In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, 1,260 consecutive HALDNs for living-donor kidney transplantation performed between January 2008 and December 2021 were evaluated. All living donors met the living kidney donor guidelines in Japan. Hand port-site infections were identified in 88 HALDN cases (7.0%). To investigate risk factors for hand port-site infection, donor characteristics including preoperative comorbidities such as hypertension, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and operative factors such as operative duration, blood loss, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and prophylactic subcutaneous suction drain placement at the hand port-site were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, significant differences were identified regarding sex (P = 0.021; odds ratio [OR], 1.971; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.108-3.507), preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (P < 0.001; OR, 0.037; 95% CI [0.011-0.127]), and prophylactic subcutaneous suction drain placement at the hand port-site (P = 0.041; OR, 2.005; 95% CI [1.029-3.907]). However, a significant difference was not identified regarding glucose intolerance (P = 0.572; OR, 1.148; 95% CI [0.711-1.856]). Preoperative comorbidities may not cause hand port-site infections within the donors who meet the living kidney donor guidelines. Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial in preventing hand port-site infection, whereas prophylactic subcutaneous suction drain placement may increase the risk of hand port-site infection.