Obtaining cuff of inferior vena cava by use of the Endo-TA stapler in retroperitoneoscopic right-side donor nephrectomy

Objectives To determine the feasibility of obtaining an adequate cuff of the inferior vena cava (IVC) for vascular anastomosis during retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy. Methods Between September 2004 and May 2005, a total 100 retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomies were performed. Fifteen cases were performed on the right side. The Endo-TA stapler was used to obtain the cuff of IVC in all cases of right-side donor nephrectomy. Results Mean warm ischemia time was 4.9 minutes (range, 2.96 to 8.0 minutes). Mean length of the cuff of IVC was 4 mm (range, 3 to 6 mm) at the upper end and 6 mm (range, 4 to 8 mm) at the lower end of the vein. All grafts functioned immediately, and there was one graft loss due to vascular rejection. Conclusions Control of the renal vein by use of the Endo-TA stapler during retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy helps in obtaining a good vascular cuff of the IVC.