Aim:

To present our initial experience in the development of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy at the Centro Oncológico Estatal ISSEMyM in Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted. All laparoscopic radical nephrectomies performed due to kidney tumor diagnosis at the Centro Oncológico Estatal ISSEMyM, within the time frame of 2013-2018, were retrospectively evaluated.

Results and discussion:

During the study period, 58 patients were retrieved that underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Tumor size was from 1.5 to 12 cm, with a mean size of 5.77 cm. The conversion rate was 12.06%, 4 cases of which were due to uncontrolled bleeding from the renal hilum. Mean surgery duration per procedure was 165.2 minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 369.82 ml. There were 4 complications (6.89%), 3 of which were classified as Clavien-Dindo II and one as Clavien-Dindo III. Three of the tumors were larger than 7 cm, thus the complications were possibly related to tumor size. Mean hospital stay was 1.94 days, ranging from 1 to 7 days. Three patients (5.17%) presented with recurrence.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an excellent technique for oncologic control, with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Given the similar intraoperative and postoperative results of our initial experience from 2013 to the present and those of other national and international hospitals, that approach will continue to be offered to our patients.