Objective To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of retroperitoneal and transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for nonfunctional kidney with giant hydronephrosis. Methods The clinical data of retroperitoneal group (26 patients) and transperitoneal group (23 patients) who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for nonfunctional kidney with giant hydronephrosis were analyzed retrospectively. Compared with operating time,kidney size, blood loss, postoperative intestinal function recovery time, postoperative hospital stay and operative efficacy of the two groups. Results All the operations were performed successfully. Operating time,kidney size and blood loss were not significantly different between two groups(P＞ 0.05). While in retroperitoneal group, postoperative intestinal function recovery time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly reduced than those in transperitoneal group [( 18.0 ± 1.2)h vs. (48.0 ±2.0) h, (5.5± 1.6) d vs. (7.5 ± 1.6) d](P＜0.05). All patients were followed up 1 -3months,no abnormal. Conclusions The retroperitoneal and transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for nonfunctional kidney with giant hydronephrosis can be performed efficiently and effectively. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic is better than transperitoneal laparoscopic on postoperative recovery aspects.