title: Posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy using microwave tissue coagulator for small renal tumors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy remains surgically challenging because of the potential for excessive blood loss, infection, and the development of urinary fistulas. In addition, posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy is not popular because of the limited space for surgical manipulation. We evaluated the usefulness of a microwave tissue coagulator in posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy for small posterior renal tumor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed without renal pedicle clamping using a microwave tissue coagulator in six patients with small posterior renal tumors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operative time was 136 minutes (range 78-180 minutes), and the blood loss was <20 mL. No serious operative complications occurred, and there was no significant deterioration of renal function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy using a microwave tissue coagulator can be a safe and less invasive method for the treatment of small posterior renal tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Japan.
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Itoh
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Michiharu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miuru
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsukigi
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ichiyanagi
authors.forename: Isoji
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sasagawa
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018207:Angiomyolipoma / Q000601:surgery*; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D016896:Treatment Outcome