[Nephrectomies in poor or non-functioning kidneys. Is it the right thing to do?]

OBJETIVOS: Presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo quirurgico del rinon poco o no funcionante, revisando las indicaciones de nefrectomia y sus resultados a largo plazo. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent nephrectomy surgery in our hospital between 2010 and 2014. Data was collected from the patient charts paying special attention to the clinical resolution of the symptoms that motivated surgery. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 18 nephrectomies were performed. Median age was of 6,5 years (range: 11 months to 15 years). Surgery was indicated by recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) in 7 cases, renovascular hypertension (RHT) in 5, pain in 2, increasing size in 2 and parents' preference due to poor compliance with follow up in 2 patients. 16 nephrectomies were performed laparoscopically and 2 were open procedures. Median hospital length of stay was 48 hours. Complication rate was 5.55% both for the intraoperatively (1 case of bleeding) and post operatively (1 case of subcutaneous emphysema). Signs and symptoms were successfully resolved in all cases except for 3, 2 patients had an UTI and 1 persistent RHT. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrectomy is a safe surgical procedure in children with a low rate of complications. An appropriate selection of the cases and a thorough preoperative multidisciplinary assessment are essential aspects to obtain good clinical results and to avoid post-operative complications.