Oncological outcome of 100 laparoscopic radical nephrectomies for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic renal surgery is now accepted within the urological community and its indication is extended to oncological operation. The oncological outcome and survival of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma were evaluated.


METHODS
From October 1998 to July 2003, 100 patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma. All operations were performed by transperitoneal approach with early vascular control. Perioperative events and pathological data were recorded prospectively. Patients were followed up by clinical examination, chest radiograph, ultrasonography and/or computed tomography where appropriate.


RESULTS
The median age of patients was 61 years. Median operating time was 120 min and blood loss was 100 mL. There were five open conversions. There was no perioperative mortality but 11 patients had complications. Resection margins were clear in all but one patient. The median tumour size was 4.6 cm. The median follow-up time was 30 months. All patients survived up to the date of review. No patient developed port-site recurrence but two patients had recurrence at the renal bed 1 year after the operation. Five patients developed distant metastases involving liver, lung and bone.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is a safe and efficacious treatment option for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma. The intermediate-term oncological outcome appears favourable.
Department of Urology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. mccheunguro@mac.com
Man-Chiu
MC
Cheung
Yee-Mun
YM
Lee
Rahul
R
Rindani
Howard
H
Lau
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome