title: TissueLink device for laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  One of the most challenging aspects of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is achieving adequate control of bleeding from the tumor bed. We report our initial experience with laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery using the TissueLink floating-ball radiofrequency dissector.
  
  
  METHODS
  From March 2002 to April 2003, we performed 14 purely laparoscopic nephron-sparing nephrectomies using the floating-ball device on 11 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operative time was 124 minutes (range 90-210 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 168 mL (range 20-600 mL). One patient had a small urine leak and was sent home with the drain in place.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We successfully treated 14 small renal lesions using the TissueLink floating-ball device. The procedure was performed in an expeditious fashion with minimal blood loss. Long-term follow-up is required to determine the oncologic efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.forename: Scott D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Ferrigni
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Andrews
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D009399:Nephrons