Control of the renal artery and vein with the nonabsorbable polymer ligating clip in hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Background. The large and variable size of the renal vein has prompted most surgeons to select linear stapling devices to secure the vein during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Although effective, these stapling devices have a potential for misfire. Use of the nonabsorbable polymer ligating (NPL) clip during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy provides increased graft vessel length compared with the stapling device, and the NPL clip has a locking mechanism which may increase security compared with standard titanium clips. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the NPL clip for control of the renal artery and vein during hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). Methods. A retrospective chart review of 50 consecutive HALDN patients was conducted where two parallel NPL clips were used to control both the renal artery and vein. Information collected included demographic data, operative and postoperative data, and complications. Results. Mean donor age was 33.4 years and body mass index was 25.8 kg/m². Mean operative time was 266.0 min, mean hospital stay was 3.2 days, and mean warm ischemia time was 123.3 seconds. There were no transfusions, open conversions, or complications related to use of the NPL clip. A $16,300 disposable cost savings was seen during this 1-year period alone. Conclusions. The NPL clip was 100% safe and effective in controlling the renal artery and vein during HALDN, allowed for additional vessel length, and resulted in a disposable cost savings of $362 per patient.