Hand-assisted laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy using newly produced LAP DISC: initial three cases.

BACKGROUND A new abdominal sealing device, called the LAP DISC, was used for the first time in hand-assisted laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (HALDN) on three donors. The LAP DISC is made of three layers of rings connected by a rubber membrane, which covers the peritoneum and abdominal wall. The upper ring can adjust to the surgeon's hand size for insertion. METHODS The LAP DISC was seated through an approximately 7-cm midline incision under the xiphoid process. The laparoscopic port was inserted through the LAP DISC, and thereafter, pneumoperitoneum was established. Three trocars were then placed under direct vision. The surgeon's left arm was inserted into the LAP DISC and used for manual retraction, dissection, and hemostasis. In the three operations, the kidneys were removed through the LAP DISC. RESULTS The total warm ischemic times of the kidney were 15, 8, and 4 minutes, and the total operative times were 323, 195, and 240 minutes, respectively. After the subsequent transplantation into the recipient, the kidneys produced clear urine immediately on reperfusion. The recipient creatinine fell to 4.2, 5.6, and 3.9 mg/mL on postoperative day 1. All three donors resumed consistent oral intake within 24 hours after surgery and returned to normal, nonstrenuous activity by postoperative day 6. CONCLUSION The LAP DISC device is excellent for HALDN and may increase the number of surgeons and donors who select HALDN.