Laparoscopic Nephrectomy for Benign Non-functioning Kidneys: A Comprehensive Study on Efficacy, Outcomes and Clinical Implications at Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla

Background: Laparoscopic nephrectomy, a minimally invasive surgical technique for kidney removal, has transformed urological surgery since the 1990s. This approach offers numerous benefits over traditional open surgery, including reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign non-functioning kidneys at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019, involving 20 patients with benign non-functioning kidneys due to stone disease, pelviureteric junction narrowing, renal tuberculosis and chronic pyelonephritis. Comprehensive pre-operative evaluations were performed, and patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy using the transperitoneal route. Data on surgical duration, blood loss, CO 2 usage, complications and post-operative recovery were meticulously recorded and analysed. Results: The study included 20 patients, predominantly female (65%) and aged between 25 and 50 years (70%). Laparoscopic nephrectomy was successfully performed in 60% of cases, while 35% required conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time for successful laparoscopic nephrectomies was 103.7 min, with significantly lower blood loss (145 mL) compared to open surgery (350 mL, P = 0.003). Post-operative recovery was faster in the laparoscopic group, with 90% resuming oral intake within 1–2 days and 55% returning to normal activities within 30 days ( P = 0.0072). The overall complication rate was 30%, including 10% major complications. Late presentations were attributed to a lack of awareness, financial constraints and reliance on quack treatments. Conclusion: Laparoscopic nephrectomy at IGMC Shimla demonstrated significant advantages over open surgery, including reduced operative time, blood loss, post-operative pain and faster recovery. The findings support the adoption of laparoscopic techniques as the preferred method for managing benign non-functioning kidneys in a tertiary care setting. However, the cost of disposable equipment and challenges in managing pyonephrotic and xanthogranulomatous kidneys necessitate careful patient selection and pre-operative planning.