Background: Laproscopic nephrectomy has become a popular procedure since first being introduced in 1990.
Objective: Evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic pediatric nephrectomy.
Material and Method: The authors reviewed the in patient medical records at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kean University between 2007 and 2011. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed on 9 pediatric patients. The demographic data, indications for surgery, route of approach and peri-operative outcomes were analyzed.
Results: Ten nephrectomies (6 L; 4 R) were performed on the nine patients (mean age 8.8 years: 7 males; 2 females). One patient underwent a bilateral nephrectomy at a different time. A trans- and retro-peritoneal approach was used on 1 and 9 cases, respectively. The respective mean operative time and hospital stay was 108.8 minutes and 5.8 days. The mean estimated blood loss was 31.8 ml (minimal-100 ml): no blood transfusion was required. Post-operatively, there were no major complications and the mean pain score was 2.3 (0-5). Only one patient was converted to an open nephrectomy and that due to massive adhesion.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic pediatric nephrectomy has been a feasible and safe procedure at our institution.

Keywords: Laproscopic nephrectomy, Operative time, Pain score