Minimally Invasive Colorectal Resection in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Technical Tips, Short- and Long-Term Outcomes

Aim. To prove the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) colorectal resection in kidney recipients by evaluating the technical protocol and reviewing short- and long-term outcomes. Methods. Between May 2007 and August 2012, a retrospective review of ten kidney transplant patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer was evaluated for technical tips, short- and long-term outcomes. Results. The mean patients' age was 56.8 ± 9.91 years and 50% of them were male. Anterior and low anterior resections were performed in 40% of the patients each; 20% and 10% of the patients underwent right and left hemicolectomy, respectively. Most (90%) procedures were performed laparoscopically and 10% were performed robotically. No open conversions. Mean operating time was 192.5 ± 15 min, blood loss was 30 ± 50 mL, and mean hospital stay was 9.7 ± 5.5 days. Two (20%) patients had postoperative complications: wound seroma and chyloperitoneum. Over a mean follow-up period of 31.4 ± 21.57 months, no mortality or kidney rejection occurred. Among the six patients followed up for a mean of 43.5 ± 9.84 months, 83.3% were 3-year disease-free and the overall survival rate was 100%. Conclusion. Minimally invasive colorectal resection is likely to be safe and feasible, with fewer complications and acceptable short- and long-term outcomes, in kidney transplant recipients.