Use of Bipolar Electrosurgical Device for Sealing of Ureter During Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: Single-center Experience

Abstract

Aim:In this study, we evaluated our method of using bipolar sealing and cutting of terminal ureter in donor nephrectomy and discussed its safety and effectiveness.Materials and Methods:A total of 200 patients who underwent laparoscopic donor nephrectomy between August 2018 and August 2020 were included in the study. All the surgeries were performed by the same surgeon with the same technique. Patient variables including age, gender, body mass index, estimated blood loss, surgical times and postoperative drainage creatinine values were all recorded.Results:On the first postoperative day, creatinine measurement was performed from drainage collection which was repeated on the second postoperative day. After the second recording of creatinine level, the drain was taken out. In all of the patients, the values were all within ranges of the blood creatinine levels, which was consistent with no urinary leak. We did not need to perform any further invasive test to check for a leak like a cystography.Conclusion:Our results demonstrate that the use of energy devices for sealing vessels can be used safely and effectively for sealing distal ureter.

Keywords

• donor nephrectomy
• laparoscopy
• kidney transplantation