Purpose: To evaluate the results of right-donor nephrectomy with kidneys having two or more renal veins.
Materials and methods: Between September 2004 and August 2007 50 right-side donor nephrectomies were performed. Eight donors had two or more renal veins; in seven patients multiple renal veins were an intraoperative finding, while in one case preoperative evaluation had revealed two renal veins. Four-port retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed. An Endo-TA stapler was used to control renal veins in all donors.
Results: Donor nephrectomy was uncomplicated in all cases. Two renal veins were present in seven patients, while one donor had four renal veins. Mean operative time, blood loss, and warm ischemia time were 148.7 minutes, 86.8 mL, and 269 seconds, respectively. The mean nadir serum creatinine value was 0.98 mg%.
Conclusion: Retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy on the right side with two or more renal veins is feasible and safe.