Obtaining cuff of inferior vena cava by use of the Endo-TA stapler in retroperitoneoscopic right-side donor nephrectomy

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the feasibility of obtaining an adequate cuff of the inferior vena cava (IVC) for vascular anastomosis during retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Methods: Between September 2004 and May 2005, a total 100 retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomies were performed. Fifteen cases were performed on the right side. The Endo-TA stapler was used to obtain the cuff of IVC in all cases of right-side donor nephrectomy.

Results: Mean warm ischemia time was 4.9 minutes (range, 2.96 to 8.0 minutes). Mean length of the cuff of IVC was 4 mm (range, 3 to 6 mm) at the upper end and 6 mm (range, 4 to 8 mm) at the lower end of the vein. All grafts functioned immediately, and there was one graft loss due to vascular rejection.

Conclusions: Control of the renal vein by use of the Endo-TA stapler during retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy helps in obtaining a good vascular cuff of the IVC.