Safety of Nephrectomy in Morbidly Obese Donors

Abstract

Objectives: To satisfy donor organ shortage, overweight and obese donors are becoming a greater proportion of the kidney donor pool. Although good safety data exist in overweight and moderately obese individuals (body mass index = 25 to 35 kg/m2), there is little information about outcomes in morbidly obese donors (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2). The purpose of this study was to review the experience with morbidly obese donors in a single center and assist in the discussion about the feasibility of nephrectomy in such cases.

Materials and Methods: Outcomes of nephrectomy in morbidly obese donors between January 2005 and June 2010 were reviewed retrospectively and compared with outcomes in nonobese donors.

Results: Of 386 nephrectomies, 7 involved morbidly obese donors. Mortality and major complication rates were low in all body mass index categories. A high incidence of minor postoperative complications was observed in the morbidly obese, with 57% morbidly obese patients requiring treatment for complications including respiratory infection, compared with 30% in nonobese donors (P < .05). There were no significant differences in mean operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay between all body mass index categories. Limited follow-up data (mean, 20 mo) showed similar renal function parameters between groups.

Conclusions: The limited data suggest that nephrectomy may be feasible in selected morbidly obese donors. Further study is needed before major conclusions can be made.