Objective To compare the therapeutic outcomes of standard laparoscopic and laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) nephrectomy for benign nonfunctioning kidney. Methods From September 2009 to August 2013, a single urologist group in our center performed 72 transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies for benign nonfunctioning kidney, with 50 undergoing LESS (group A) and 22 undergoing standard laparoscopic surgery (group B). The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed and the therapeutic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results The operation was successfully performed in all cases,with no conversion to open surgery. Compared with standard laparoscopic group, the LESS group had significantly lower postoperative pain score (4.3±1.0 vs 3.7±0.8, P=0.015),quicker bowel function recovery ([58.1±16.1] h vs [49.2±14.0] h,P=0.032),shorter drainage duration ([3.9±1.5] d vs [2.8±1.1] d,P=0.003),shorter post-operative hospital stay ([7.3±3.1] d vs [6.3±3.4] d,P=0.048), and a better cosmetic satisfaction score (7.4±0.9 vs 8.0±0.6, P=0.001). The operative time and intraoperation blood loss were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion Compared to standard laparoscopic nephrectomy, transumbilical LESS nephrectomy offers a quicker recovery of bowel function,shorter drainage duration,a better postoperative pain control,and a better cosmetic satisfaction for benign nonfunctioning kidney,but its long-term therapeutic effect needs to be further verified.