Objective To discuss the feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for treatment of kidney tuberculosis. Methods From March 2005 to February 2009, 28 patients with kidney tuberculosis underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. The patients′ data were reviewed and analyzed. Results There were 18 men and tencwomen with an average age of 36 (26-51) in the cohort. Sixteen patients had lesions on the left kidney and 12 on right kidney. All patients had a normal renal function on the contra lateral side. The severely impaired renal function of the lesion side was confirmed before operation. Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy was administered to patients for two weeks to six months in advance of the surgery. No active lesion of tuberculosis was found and ESR level was normal before operation. All the operations were successfully performed without switching to open surgery. The average operative time was 170 (121-258) minutes, blood loss was 110 (70-250) ml and average postoperative hospital stay was 5.7 (5-14) days. Peritoneum injury was seen in three patients and incision infection in two patients. No severe complications were observed. Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy was continued for three months. Twenty-four patients were followed-up, and the average follow-up time was 12.5 (6-20) months. All patients recovered without any lesion remaining. Conclusions Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy could be a safe and reliable method for the treatment of non-functioning kidney due to tuberculosis.