'Tubeless* nephrectomy: Routine omission of indwelling catheters and abdominal drains and impact on patient outcomes

摘要

Objective: Continued refinements to the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols can help improve patient care. This study details the experience and outcomes of a single surgeon's practice over a two-year period for all laparoscopic renal surgery where omitting abdominal drains and indwelling catheters, 'tubeless nephrectomy', was the default. Methodology: A total of 178 consecutive unselected patients underwent laparoscopic renal surgery during a 22-month period. This included laparoscopic radical, partial, live donor and benign nephrectomy cases. Demographic details and data on length of stay, complications and the need for catheterisation post-operatively and use of abdominal drains were collected prospectively.