TissueLink device for laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery.
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.
Stern
Jeffrey A
JA
Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Simon
Scott D
SD
Ferrigni
Robert G
RG
Andrews
Paul E
PE
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