Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy with Clamping of the Renal Parenchyma: Initial Experience

Objectives Partial nephrectomy by laparoscopy offers patients conservative surgery and a mini-invasive approach; however, clamping of the renal pedicle and the induced warm ischaemia can damage the renal parenchyma. We present a technique of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with haemostasis obtained by clamping of the renal parenchyma. Methods The procedure was performed by an intraperitoneal or a retroperitoneal approach. After a working space is created by pneumodissection, Gerota's fascia is incised and the kidney convexity is dissected. An endoscopic Satinsky clamp is inserted percutaneously through a 1-cm incision. The renal parenchyma is clamped and the tumour is excised in a bloodless field. The cut renal parenchyma is coated with biologic glue. Results Five patients with elective indications were operated. Mean age was 67.8 yr and mean tumour diameter 3.06cm. One lesion was located at the upper pole and four at the lower pole. Mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 10.9mg/l. Postoperative serum creatinine level was unchanged. Mean operative time was 238min. There was no conversion. Mean blood loss was 250ml; no transfusions were necessary. The collecting duct system was repaired in one patient. No complication was noticed. Resection margins were tumour free in all cases. Final pathologic examination revealed clear cell carcinoma in three cases and angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma in one case each. Conclusion Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with clamping of the renal parenchyma can be performed in selected patients with peripherally placed tumours. The procedure avoids warm ischaemia of the normal parenchyma while allowing the surgeon to operate in an almost bloodless field. This initial experience in five patients should be validated in a larger series.