To analyze the outcomes of patients undergoing upper-pole heminephrectomy surgery and to assess the different variables that may have an impact on outcome, specifically regarding morbidity and the need for further surgeries.

A retrospective study of patients who underwent laparoscopic upper-pole heminephrectomy for a nonfunctional moiety between August 2007 and December 2019 was conducted at 3 centers. A total of 130 patients met the inclusion criteria. A transperitoneal approach was used. The following variables were evaluated: (1) preoperative: presentation, presence of ureterocele and history of ureterocele incision, hydronephrosis grade, presence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and differential renal function (DRF) on renal scintigraphy; and (2) postoperative outcomes: Doppler ultrasound, renal scintigraphy, complications, febrile urinary tract infection, lower urinary tract symptoms, and need for further surgery. Findings were considered statistically significant at P <.05.

Postoperative complications were observed in 5 patients (3.8%). Six patients (4.6%) needed further surgeries after heminephrectomy. The presence of ureterocele and VUR was related with the need for further surgeries odds ratio (OR) 4.91, P = .0415) and the occurrence of postoperative febrile urinary tract infection (OR 2.81, P = .0376). A 13.9% incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms was found with no difference between patients with ureterocele and those with an ectopic ureter. Renal scintigraphy showed a median decrease in DRF of 2.7%. No patient had complete loss of function.

Laparoscopic upper-pole heminephrectomy showed to be a feasible and safe procedure. In most patients this surgery will be the definitive procedure. Patients with both VUR and ureterocele will need special consideration. No significant loss of function in the remaining lower moiety was found.