Background:Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) may serve as a potential altative to conventional laparoscopy and is developing quickly,but still in its infancy.The study is to present our two-year experience in transumbilical LESS simple nephrectomy (LESS-SN) for non-functioning kidney,in an effort to evaluate its feasibility,clinical outcomes and potential advantages.Methods:From December 2008 to December 2010,a total of 11 patients with body mass index (BMI) ≤30 underwent transumbilical TriPort(TM) LESS-SN by a single experienced urologist at our institution.The indications for nephrectomy included nonfunctioning kidney associated with ureteropelvic junction stricture (n=1),ureteral calculi (n=6),tuberculosis (n=3),and ureteral stricture (n=1).Patient demographics,perioperative and follow-up data were prospectively collected and analyzed.Results:Ten procedures were successfully completed with one patient converted to open surgery due to uncontrollable bleeding.The mean operative time was 189.2 (ranging 100～320 min) with an estimated blood loss of 204.5 (ranging 50-1 000 ml).There were two complications of bleeding (1- intra-,1- post-).The mean hospitalization after surgery was 7.9 d (ranging 4-17 d).With a regular follow-up of 1,6,12,and 24 months after surgery,all patients remained symptom-free with an intra-umbilical scar.Conclusion:Transumbilical LESS simple nephrectomy for nonfunctioning kidney can be accomplished with favorable surgical outcomes and a superiority of cosmesis.However,cases with chronic inflammation are not suitable for initial up-take and should only be attempted by the very experienced laparoscopist.